Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 | Virtual
IHA’s National Pre-Med Health Literacy Conference
Overview
IHA’s National Pre-Med Health Literacy Conference is a free, student-led virtual event for undergraduate students who are preparing to become future physicians.
This conference introduces participants to the foundations of health literacy while equipping them with practical communication skills, real-world perspectives, and actionable strategies they can begin developing before medical school. Participants will explore how health literacy influences patient care, strengthen skills that support patient understanding, and identify opportunities to advocate for stronger integration of health literacy within medical education.
Why Health Literacy Matters
Pre-med students spend years preparing to understand the science of medicine, yet communication and health literacy are often introduced later in medical education.
Health literacy influences how people find, understand, evaluate, and use health information and services. Future physicians play an essential role in helping patients understand their health, navigate the healthcare system, and participate in decisions about their care.
Developing these skills early helps prepare future physicians to communicate more effectively, build trust with patients, and deliver patient-centered care.
Who This Conference Is For
This conference is created and led by undergraduate pre-med students for their peers who are preparing for careers in medicine and want to better understand the role of communication and health literacy in delivering patient-centered care. Whether participants are just beginning their pre-med journey or preparing to apply to medical school, the conference provides an opportunity to explore the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that will support them throughout their medical education and future careers.
To reduce barriers and make early exposure to health literacy accessible, this conference is offered at no cost.
What to Expect
Through interactive presentations featuring health literacy experts, physicians, medical students, and fellow pre-med students, participants will explore the foundations of health literacy and its role in patient-centered care.
Participants will gain practical communication strategies, hear real-world perspectives from healthcare professionals and students, and leave with ideas they can begin applying throughout their undergraduate education as they prepare for medical school.
Share With Your Network
If you work with students, please consider sharing this opportunity with:
- Pre-health advising programs
- Public health or biology departments
- Student organizations
- Mentorship or pipeline programs
Please share this conference with your students and networks!