Each year since 2022, University of Vermont Healthy and the University of Vermont bring together clinicians, students, community leaders, educators, artists and advocates for the annual Health Equity Summit – a gathering focused on advancing equitable, person-centered care across Vermont and northern New York. 

In this episode we explore what health equity truly means, why it matters, and how it shows up in homes, hospitals, classrooms and communities. Hear from Summit organizers Taylor Small of UVM Medical Center and Hajar Anvar of UVM Health - Home Health and Hospice about the summit’s evolving vision and the growing role of community voices, patient advisors and diverse partners in shaping solutions. 

You’ll also hear powerful stories from Burlington-based artist and storyteller Ferene Paris, who is using creativity to support healing and learning; executive assistant Elle Semsey, who is channeling her lived experience as a survivor of intimate partner violence into action; and Dr. Jill Rinehart, a pediatrician at Golisano Children’s Hospital at UVM Health working to eliminate care disparities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

From the role social determinants of health play, to the importance of cultural humility, lived experience and patient-centered design, we offer a deeply human look at what it takes to build health care systems – and relationships – that allow everyone the opportunity to reach their highest level of health.