At Students for Patient Advocacy Nationwide (SPAN), we believe the voices of tomorrow’s healthcare leaders must be heard today. Founded in response to a direct threat to medical student rights, SPAN has grown into a powerful coalition representing students across the country.
In early 2025, Texas House Bill 5294 proposed eliminating the pass/fail grading system at Texas medical schools, a policy that protects students from undue stress and preserves fair academic evaluation. This bill jeopardized the futures of countless medical students and sparked a nationwide call to action.
SPAN quickly mobilized. We united students from institutions including UTMB and Baylor College of Medicine, rallying over 100 student advocates to directly engage with legislators and policymakers. Our coalition placed hundreds of calls, sent testimonies, and amplified student voices in the halls of government.
Thanks to these coordinated efforts, the bill was ultimately stopped, preserving the pass/fail system and protecting student futures. This victory demonstrated the impact students can have when organized and empowered.
But SPAN is more than just one campaign. We are committed to democratizing healthcare policy advocacy by bridging the gap between students and government. Our mission is to empower young advocates to influence healthcare legislation at local, state, and federal levels.
Today, SPAN continues to grow its network, build strength in numbers, and champion patient-centered policies. We invite all students who share our passion for equitable, informed healthcare to join us and be part of this transformative movement.
— Vishank, Shayan, Joel, & Ben