71% of healthcare providers prioritize patient engagement, merely 29% of patients rate their providers highly in this regard, highlighting a significant gap in the patient-physician connection (CWD Healthcare). To bridge this divide and improve healthcare outcomes, it is imperative to address education around the patient-physician connection through medical education. Medical institutions should emphasize the importance of addressing region-specific inequities and diverse patient needs with compassion and perspective (Curricula for Empathy and Compassion Training in Medical Education). These skills would be taught through interactive learning modules and applied in real-world opportunities. For this project, modules will be based on the regional disparities of the Inland Empire, such as food insecurity, air pollution, and mental health (Prevention Institute). To explore medical student and patient satisfaction, gathering feedback through surveys is crucial to analyzing the need and impact of these modules. Gauging readiness for a potential shift in the curriculum will serve as a guiding compass for ongoing reform. By equipping medical students with the skills needed to connect with patients from all backgrounds, we can foster a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system. Improving medical education can eventually close the disconnect between patient expectations and provider practices
