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JeffBEACON

Leadership

Deborah Witt, MD
Co-Director, JeffBEACON
Maia Mandel, MD
Co-Director, JeffBEACON

Program Information

Laura Monroe, MEd
Program Coordinator, JeffBEACON

The JeffBEACON (Bringing Equity and Care to Our Neighborhoods) Program is a longitudinal admissions and educational pathway program at Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) designed to increase the representation and retention of physicians committed to serving historically marginalized communities. The program prepares future physicians to work meaningfully with diverse populations and deliver compassionate, culturally informed care.

Recognizing the essential role of primary care in public health, the program emphasizes cultural competencies, disease prevention and health promotion. JeffBEACON supports students passionate about primary care and advancing health equity in underserved communities. JeffBEACON is a collaboration between Sidney Kimmel Medical Center (SKMC), the Department of Family & Community Medicine (DFCM), and the Jefferson Community Health Collaborative (JCHC). Together, these partners unite expertise and resources to create impactful, community-centered medical education and training.

The JeffBEACON’s four-year curriculum provides medical students with valuable experience and opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Students also engage with a wide range of community partners and participate in public health events to gain a deeper understanding of health-related social needs.

What It Means to Be a JeffBEACON Student

JeffBEACON students embody personal and professional qualities that align with a deep commitment to community-centered care. They are proactive, passionate and become collaborative leaders who take the initiative to engage with real-world challenges beyond the classroom. These students are comfortable stepping outside their comfort zones to work meaningfully across differences with people from varied backgrounds, demonstrating genuine commitment to inclusion in every interaction. Above all, they are service-oriented and grounded in the principles of mentorship, cultural awareness and community engagement. Students will strengthen leadership competencies by organizing and executing student-led initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusivity and peer engagement. 

Program Benefits

As a JeffBEACON student, you'll receive:

  • Community outreach and clinical experience opportunities
  • Leadership training and career development
  • Customized clerkship scheduling
  • Specialized elective opportunities

Program Expectations

  • Encourage and support valuable student-led community initiatives
  • Participate in community service events on a quarterly basis
  • Document reflections on community engagement and real-world learning experiences
  • Maintain active communication with Team Leadership

Interested in Joining JeffBEACON?

If you're interested in the JeffBEACON program, here are your next steps:

  1. Indicate your interest by checking "JeffBEACON" on the Secondary Application.
  2. Once accepted to SKMC, you'll receive a formal invitation to complete the JeffBEACON application.
  3. Submit your JeffBEACON application by the specified deadline.
  4. Schedule a formal interview with current JeffBEACON students and Program Directors.

“We have a responsibility not only to treat patients within the hospital or clinic, especially those who are underserved. These are countless individuals navigating life without the access or knowledge they need to manage their health. This experience has been both humbling and eye-opening."

-Tobi Taylor, MD/PhD Candidate

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply to the JeffBEACON Program?

Incoming first-year SKMC students who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving marginalized communities are encouraged to apply to JeffBEACON.

What are the primary specialties?

The program primarily supports students interested in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.

Are other specialties welcome?

Yes! While the program focuses on primary care specialties, students from other specialties are welcome to apply and participate.

Have additional questions?

Email BeaconProgram@jefferson.edu for more information about the program or application process.

History of JeffBEACON

The JeffBEACON grew from the Urban Underserved Program (UUP), which was established in 2001 under the leadership of the late Ronald Patrick McManus, MD. The program was modeled after the nationally recognized Jefferson Physician Shortage Area Program (PSAP) and sought to engage students from their first year of medical school. UUP fostered a community of learners dedicated to promoting health equity and addressing disparities in urban settings.

Dr. McManus was a visionary committed to mentoring students interested in pursuing careers in primary care with a focus on urban underserved populations.

“Dr. McManus was my Chief Resident and colleague for many years. I will always remember the first of many meaningful experiences working in the community with Youth Emergency Services (YES), which cared for unhoused and at-risk adolescents. These experiences solidified my desire to stay in Philadelphia and serve the communities most in need. Now, I have the privilege of serving as the Program Director, continuing this powerful legacy.”  — Deborah Witt, MD, DFCM ’96, JeffBEACON Director

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