Our Crowdfunding Groups
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has established its first-ever dedicated source of funding to support LGBTQ+ students—the Dena Hofkosh, MD Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA) Support Fund.
LGBTQ+ student advocacy and activism has driven exciting and positive changes to the culture at Pitt Med. As a result, members of Pitt’s Medical Student Pride Alliance, engaged Pitt Med faculty and staff have established this new fund, which provides scholarships, emergency financial aid, and achievement awards to the LGBTQ+ medical students based on financial need, their service to diverse communities, and their contributions to the diversity of the school.
Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA)
The MSPA is a national activist and social organization committed to empowering sexual and gender minority medical students and allies, increasing the number of physicians trained in LGBTQ+-inclusive healthcare, and addressing the unique needs of queer communities through research, advocacy, education, and service. The Medical Student Pride Alliance was founded in April 2018 by five medical students at Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Louisville, and the University of Vermont. As a new organization, current efforts focus on gathering data, establishing networks, recruiting leadership, and developing organizational sustainability.
The MSPA Mission
• Unite all LGBTQ+ medical students
• Serve as a forum for discussion on LGBTQ+ topics in medicine
• Serve as the voice for LGBTQ+ medical students in national dialogue
• Increase collaboration among queer medical communities
• Promote recruitment of queer students into medicine
• Advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in healthcare
• Educate medical students on LGBTQ+ health issues
MSPA at Pitt Med
Pitt’s MSPA Chapter was established in 2019 and won honorable mention in 2021 for embodying the mission of the national MPSA chapter through their achievements in supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ medical students. Before the launch of Pitt’s MSPA Chapter, PRIDE Health was created in 2016 to serve and support our faculty, staff, students, residents, fellows, and providers. Through PRIDE Health, members would assemble socially, act locally, and disseminate information on issues pertinent to members and those whom we treat and teach. PRIDE Health’s novel efforts in fostering an inclusive, open, and affirming environment within which to practice, work, and learn at Pitt and UPMC carries forth through Pitt’s MSPA Chapter. In collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here at Pitt, goals include advocating for curriculum reform, building networks both within and outside of the School of Medicine, and establishing a community of social support.
Honoring Dena Hofkosh, MD, MEd
Recently retired, Dena Hofkosh, MD, MEd, served as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs, Department of Pediatrics for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. As a leader, educator, faculty advisor and a mentor, she was integral in the launch of PRIDE Health and advocating for safe space for change. In addition to her efforts, current Pitt Med faculty members are creating an environment that is inclusive for our students and are providing additional resources needed to ensure our students become all-encompassing physicians that will establish improved health outcomes in the Pittsburgh community and beyond.
Give Today
This fund is vital to the advancement our beloved school and the future of equitable medical practice and care.
Your generous contribution and support will help Pitt’s LGBTQ+ medical students find their sense of belonging in an environment that is affirming and fundamentally respectful.
Thank You to Our Community Supporters:
• UPMC/UPMC Health Plan
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• 84 Lumber
• Dormont Florist
• Schell Games
• Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney
• HRT Solutions
• AmFund
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Contributions received for this project shall be used in accordance with the purpose described herein, the terms in the FAQs and applicable law.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was created at Pitt in 2015.
The number of members in attendance at the first PRIDE Health meeting.
2019 was the year the MSPA was created at Pitt Med.
