2025 SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS
The Bridging the Gaps 35th Annual Symposium was held at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, for a special two-day event.
Documentary Premiere
"This Too is Healthcare: Bridging the Gaps"
The evening of Monday, October 6th Bridging the Gaps (BTG) kicked off the 35-year celebration with a “purple” carpet event with cocktail and networking for the premiere of This Too Is Healthcare: Bridging the Gaps. Director, André Robert Lee facilitated a conversation with attendees following the premiere.
This Too Is Healthcare: Bridging the Gaps was directed by Peabody Award Winner André Robert Lee, narrated by acclaimed actor Wendell Pierce, and music by celebrated composer King Britt from his collaboration with Tyshawn Sorey captures the program’s unique ability to foster meaningful connections across diverse cultures and the transformative self-realizations that results.
The 65-minute Bridging the Gaps documentary follows an interprofessional group of health and social service professional students as they step into community organizations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, confronting the realities of health inequity. Guided by faculty mentors and community leaders, these students - many in their first year of training - are transformed by the experience of listening, serving, and learning from those most impacted by the gaps in our healthcare system. Through intimate moments, small group discussions, presentations and powerful connections with community sites, the film captures how empathy, collaboration and advocacy can reshape not only the future of healthcare, but the lives of those who deliver it. Bridging the Gaps is grateful to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for making it possible to create this documentary.
Tuesday, October 7th was a full day event that began with a morning Poster Session highlighting the work of the 2025 Community Health Internship Program student interns and their community partners. Followed by the Bridging the Gaps Awardee and Keynote Speaker, Attorney Fred Gray (94-year-old, civil rights activist, state legislator, and attorney).
The BTG Alumni Co-chairs and Community Partners facilitated the afternoon sessions, which in included eight alumni and community partners presenting 3-minute lightening rounds of Projects in Progress. Following lunch attendees problem-solved with presenter during two 20-minute table discussion rounds. The day concluded with a session on “How You Know You're Making a Difference.” a storytelling presentation by two BTG alumni and a community partner.
Attendees included alumni, community members, grantmakers, public health officials, and other BTG stakeholders.
The annual symposium is an opportunity to leverage BTG's multi-sector approach to foster action, advocacy, networking, and partnerships through diverse expertise.
Continuing Education Credits were available.
