Student Hotspotting: A Potential Pathway Towards Health Equity

Abstract: Health disparities driven by systemic inequities remain a critical challenge in the U.S. health care system. Student hotspotting offers a promising, patient-centered model that addresses the social drivers of health by embedding interprofessional student teams into the care journeys of high-need, high-cost patients. Through partnerships with community organizations and longitudinal support, students help patients navigate systemic barriers while gaining real-world experience in health equity and care coordination. Though challenges exist—such as sustainability and evaluation—student hotspotting fosters empathy, advocacy, and collaborative skills among future providers. Integrating this model into health care education can promote scalable, structural change and advance health equity.