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Community Health Leadership Conference

Community Health Leadership Conference

The Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS)

The DOCS Community Health Leadership Conference (CHLC) is an annual, student-run conference that brings together medical students from across the country to share innovative, community-engaged research and service initiatives. Our 10th Annual Conference was held on March 13, 2026, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine campus in Miami, Florida.

We look forward to welcoming you to the conference on March 12th, 2027. Abstract submissions will be open from October 19th, 2026 to January 15th, 2027, with late breaking submissions opening from February 1st, 2027 - February 10th, 2027. Please keep an eye out for submission links and more information!

CHLC is designed to elevate community health work within medical education by fostering collaboration, reflection, and skill-building among student leaders who are actively addressing health inequities in their communities.

For any questions, please reach us at: umdocschlc@gmail.com

Guidelines and Deadlines

Photo Gallery

Conference History

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Community Health Leadership Conference?

The Community Health Leadership Conference is an annual event organized by the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. It brings together medical students from across the United States to share insights and research related to community health and service.
When and Where Is the CHLC Held?

The Community Health Leadership Conference occurs annually. In 2026, it took place on scheduled for March 13, 2026, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine campus in Miami, Florida.
Who Can Attend the Community Health Leadership Conference?

The conference is open primarily to medical students nationwide. Student leaders from different medical schools are invited to present and engage with peers involved in community health initiatives.
What Is the Purpose of the Community Health Leadership Conference?

The purpose of the Community Health Leadership Conference is to elevate the impact of student-led community health initiatives through collaboration, discussion, and shared learning. It fosters the exchange of ideas and best practices among student organizations focused on community service.
What Types of Presentations Are Included?

Participants can deliver oral and poster presentations to share their successes, challenges, and lessons learned from community health projects.
Why Should Medical Students Attend the Community Health Leadership Conference?
Attending provides students with opportunities to:
- Present their community health work
- Network with peers from other schools
- Learn new approaches to service delivery
- Discuss challenges and innovations in community health
How Do Students Apply to Present at CHLC?

Students interested in presenting can submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations as part of the conference application process.
What Are Typical Abstract Guidelines?

Abstracts must summarize poster or oral topics related to student-run health fairs or clinics, and should fit within 500 words with clearly defined objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
What Is the Deadline for Submissions?

For the 2026 conference, abstract submissions are required by December 22, 2025.
Who Should I Contact for More Information?

If you have questions about the conference, email the organizers directly at umdocschlc@gmail.com.

CHLC aims to enhance the community health initiatives of our nation’s medical schools through collaboration and discussion. Student leaders are invited to present their successes and challenges in community health projects as well as network with other medical students with similar initiatives.

Community Health Leadership Conference

Guidelines and Deadlines

Photo Gallery

Conference History

“The retreat was amazing! Being able to share ideas with other students makes a person realize how capable they are of implementing new and improved methods at their own school and challenges them to make an impact.”

“The retreat was an excellent forum to exchange service project ideas among various medical schools.”

“I had a great experience at the retreat. I especially enjoyed the conference because it allowed each school the opportunity to learn from each other’s different approaches and styles towards the same common goal of community service.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Community Health Leadership Conference?

When and Where Is the CHLC Held?

Who Can Attend the Community Health Leadership Conference?

What Is the Purpose of the Community Health Leadership Conference?

What Types of Presentations Are Included?

Why Should Medical Students Attend the Community Health Leadership Conference?

How Do Students Apply to Present at CHLC?

What Are Typical Abstract Guidelines?

What Is the Deadline for Submissions?

Who Should I Contact for More Information?

CHLC aims to enhance the community health initiatives of our nation’s medical schools through collaboration and discussion. Student leaders are invited to present their successes and challenges in community health projects as well as network with other medical students with similar initiatives.