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Syllabus

Expectations

Taken from the BTG Student Agreement 2026:
Bridging the Gaps is both a professional development experience and a job. Therefore, we expect that students will handle their commitment to the program professionally, including completing all of the requirements stated herein and treating people with respect and dignity. If a student does not fulfill these expectations, we will notify the student’s school through a letter to the appropriate Dean. Unprofessional behavior reflects not only on the individual, but on the institution and the profession.

Program Directors

Drexel

Jefferson

Temple

 

UPenn

​

DeSales

 

Cooper

​

Assignments

Complete Assignment Details

Weekly required readings:

Week 1:
The Statue, WHYY

Week 2:
MAHA Report
“Paul Offit vs. RFK Jr. Is the Battle of Our Times” Philly Magazine

Week 3:

Evalutations and Questionnaires:
Completion of weekly and end of the program evaluations and questionnaires is a program requirement. Links will be sent via redcap.

Assignment

Date

Details

BTG Program Evaluation

Must be viewed prior to June 17

View Evaluation Video Here

Introduction to Oral Health in the Bridging the Gaps Program

Must be viewed prior to June 26

View Oral Health Video Here

Photo Journal Project
For students to learn more about structural issues affecting communities they serve this summer.

Due July 17th submit to student coordinators

Storytelling Project Details

Cardiovascular Disease/ Smoking Cessation/ Oral Health Work
For students to incorporate into their projects when appropriate

Due July 20th submit to student coordinators

CVD/SC/OH Details

Small Groups
Small Groups will focus on what students are learning through their community-based work as well as from all other components of the program.
Weekly during the Wednesday Curricular Sessions

Small Group Details

Social Media Content

Social Media Content Details

Weekly Journals/ Final Paper 

Your Program Director will provide details about when and who to submit your weekly journals to.
Journal/ Final Paper Details

Team Experience Summary/ Symposium

Professional Presentation Materials
(See Symposium page)

Course Schedule

Wednesday, June 17: BTG Orientation

Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine (3500 N. Broad St)
8:00-8:30AMBreakfast
8:30-9:00AMBTG Welcome & IntroductionLucy Wolf Tuton, PhD, BTG Executive Director
9:00-9:10AMIntroduction to BTG Advocacy ProjectLaura Mullin, MS
9:10-10:00AMWriting for AdvocacyMaura Gordon, MD & Rosie Frasso, PhD, CPH
10:00-10:15AMBREAK
10:15-10:30 AMAdministrative Details (Oral Health, Mandated Reporters, Assignments, Website)Bridget McCormick, MS & Jerome Wright, MSW, LSW
10:30-10:35AMIntroduction to Small GroupsCrystal Wortham, MSW
10:35-10:50Grab Lunch
10:50-11:50AMSmall Groups
12:00-2:00PMDe-escalation trainingGeremi James, LSW, Make-a-Wish
2:00-2:15PMBREAK
2:15-3:15PMArt & AdvocacyPaul Farber, Monument Lab
3:15-3:30PMComponent Programs

Wednesday, June 24

University of Pennsylvania (421 Curie Blvd, BRB II/III Auditorium)
8:00-8:30AMBreakfast
8:35-9:35AMEIHCTRSDUE: A practical approach to navigating the ethical, legal, and racial dilemmas in child abuse reportingMario Cruz, MD
9:35-10:10AMCardiovascular Health & AI in the CommunityAnthony Singleton, E4E
10:10-10:20AMBreak
10:20-11:15AMGun Violence in PhiladelphiaScott Charles, MAPP
11:15-12:15PMSmall Groups
12:15-1:00PMLUNCH
1:00-2:00PMHealthcare in AmericaPaul Offit, MD & Tony Rostain, MD
2:00-2:15PMBREAK
2:15-3:15PMA Progressive View of Harm Reduction: Harm Reduction in HIV/AIDS, The Overdose Epidemic and The Hospital and ClinicBrian Work, MD MPH
3:15-3:30PMClosing Comments

Wednesday, July 1

Drexel University (60 N. 36th Street)
8:30-8:45AMUpdates/Announcements
8:45-9:45AMTobacco Free Policy and Smoking Cessation Ryan Coffman, MPH, CHES, CTTS-M, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager, Philadelphia Department of Public Health
9:45-10:00AMBREAK
10:00-11:00AMHumor & TraumaKelli Dunham, RN, BSN
11:00-12:00PM Small Groups
Afternoon SessionComponent ProgramSee your Program Director for details on your school’s afternoon component schedule

Wednesday, July 8

Thomas Jefferson University
8:30-8:45AMAnnouncements
8:45-10:45AMScreening of 'The Road to Justice' followed by a conversation with Executive ProducerAndré Robert Lee.
10:45-11:00AMBREAK
11:00-12:00PMSmall Groups
Afternoon SessionComponent ProgramSee your Program Director for details on your school’s afternoon component schedule

Wednesday, July 15

Thomas Jefferson University

8:30-8:45AMAnnouncements
8:45-9:45AMRefugee Health in PhiladelphiaMark Altchuler, MD
9:45-10:00AMBREAK
10:00-11:00AMReproductive RightsKim Mutcherson, JD
11:00-12:00PMSmall Groups
Afternoon SessionComponent ProgramSee your Program Director for details on your school’s afternoon component schedule

Wednesday, July 22

University of Pennsylvania (421 Curie Blvd, BRB II/III Auditorium)
8:30-8:45AMAnnouncements
8:45-10:45AMThe Power of Resilience-based, Trauma-Sensitive, Strength Focused Communication in Working with YouthKenneth Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed
10:45-11:00AMBREAK
11:00-12:00PMSmall Groups
Afternoon SessionComponent ProgramSee your Program Director for details on your school’s afternoon component schedule

Wednesday, July 29: Art, Advocacy, & Health

Drexel University (60 N. 36th Street)
8:40-9:00AMSam Rodriquez, Walls for Justice
9:00-9:20AMUplift Center for Grieving Children
9:20-10:20AMIntroduction from CAT facultyAndrew Zitcer, PhD
10:20-10:30AMBREAK
10:30 - 11:45AMSmall Groups
Complete and Submit
Final BTG Evaluations and Questionnaires / Team Experience Summaries / Poster Presentation /Final Paper

September 29: FALL 2026 - BTG 36th Symposium

College of Physicians of Philadelphia (19 S. 22nd Street)
8:30-12:00PM
Keynote: Michelle Browder

Students will present their BTG projects in a professional format, details TBD.

Students will arrive by 7:30AM