06/16/2025
Listening, Learning, and Leading: Summer Scholar Impact Update!
Sophia Danchine Reflects on the NAPCRG-PBRN Conference Experience
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Sophia Danchine Internship: Sophia's work with SOAR-net, under Dr. Pascoe, focuses on community-based pediatric health outcomes, and this funding will support the presentation of their Ohio-based research at a national PBRN conference in Virginia. |
This summer, OSMA Foundation Summer Scholar Sophia Danchine had the opportunity to attend and present at the 2024 NAPCRG Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) Conference in Virginia. As a medical student at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Sophia is part of a research team at SOAR-net focused on how unmet social needs impact child health outcomes across Ohio. Below, Sophia shares her biggest takeaways from the conference and how it has shaped her outlook as a future physician and researcher. Sophia shared: My research presentation will be about how unmet social needs affect child health outcomes. We found that significant risk factors impacting child health outcomes are underinsurance and parent income levels. Addressing these factors at a community level will be critical for helping to address chronic health conditions of children.” |
Learning from Rural Communities
“Attending the NAPCRG-PBRN Conference this June really expanded my perspective on how research in primary care is approached—especially how different communities and researchers come at it from very different angles.”
One breakout session that left a lasting impression focused on research in rural communities. Sophia recalls hearing the frustration of rural community members and practitioners who felt that academic institutions often take a top-down approach, overlooking the voices and lived experiences of the communities they aim to support.
“It made me realize how important it is to build research partnerships that are more collaborative and respectful of what communities actually want and need.”
Evolving Language in Research
Another unexpected but eye-opening discussion centered around how grant language is changing—especially terms related to “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion.”
“Because of recent shifts in federal policy and political pressure, there’s been more scrutiny around using these terms in NIH grants. While they haven’t been banned, researchers are being more careful about how they frame proposals.”
Instead of using specific DEI terminology, grant writers are pivoting toward language focused on measurable outcomes, such as reducing health disparities or improving health equity. For Sophia, this sparked reflection on how even the words we use in research can evolve -and how that shift might influence future work.
Sharing Ohio-Based Research
Sophia also had the opportunity to present her research on unmet social needs in SOAR-net practices. The project explores how social risk factors, like income level or insurance status, influence child health.
“A lot of people asked where the research is going next. One thing that really stood out in the data was how underinsurance was linked with having more unmet social needs.”
This insight reinforced an important point: Access to a physician doesn’t always translate into access to care. When families lack adequate insurance, they may struggle to act on medical advice or follow through on treatment.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, Sophia is already thinking about where this research could lead.
“It would be really valuable to explore how addressing underinsurance—along with other factors from our study—might reduce the number of unmet social needs. And it would be just as interesting to see whether reducing unmet needs might improve how families are able to use their insurance and follow through on care.”
Her passion for community-centered research and advocacy is clear—and it’s exactly the kind of leadership the OSMA Foundation seeks to support through the Summer Scholars Program.
Support the Next Generation of Physician Leaders
Sophia’s experience is a powerful reminder of why investing in future physician leaders matters. We’re proud to support her journey and look forward to seeing how her work continues to shape more equitable care for children and families across Ohio.
Are you an alum of an Ohio medical school that participates in OSMA’s Summer Scholars Program? When you give, make sure to select your alma mater from the dropdown menu on the donation page so your gift can be counted toward your school’s total. We’re challenging all Ohio medical schools to help fund the next class of Summer Scholars and provide more opportunities to students like Sophia.
We also accept grants from Donor Advised Funds (DAF). Simply provide your DAF Sponsor with the following:
EIN# is 31-0907287 and organization listed as Ohio Medical Education Foundation • 4400 N High St. Ste. 304 Columbus, OH 43214