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Mission
We are a student-led organization at the University of Pennsylvania that partners with Penn Medicine's Physical Event Program to increase access to sports physicals for high school athletes in underserved communities. By offering free physical exams at local high schools, our partnership with the Physical Event Program works to remove a key barrier preventing low-income students from participating in school athletics.
Our Story
Read along to learn about our history, from the development of a carefully crafted idea in the height of the global pandemic to how we've withstood the tale of time.
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If interested, more information is available via outreach to our contact or team members.
Fall 2024
In 2024, following the pandemic, Brian Dinh, an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, began collaborating with Dr. Hersh Dochi on a project aimed at improving access to preventive healthcare and sports physicals for students. Through this initiative, Brian connected with Dr. Kristopher Fayock, the lead physician for Penn Medicine’s Physical Event Team.
Spring 2025
That same year, Brian founded PEACH (Physical Exams Access for Community High Schools), a student-driven initiative that expanded the focus of physical exam events to include education, accessibility, and sustained community engagement. PEACH’s mission is to increase access to preventive care for underserved high school students while creating meaningful, hands-on clinical and service experiences for undergraduate volunteers.
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In late 2024, PEACH began a new partnership with the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, working specifically with Paige Lombard and Sara Kelly to explore how the organization can better support high school athletes beyond the physical exam. Together, they have been developing initiatives centered on community engagement and holistic student well-being. As part of this effort, PEACH has conducted surveys and piloted workshops to identify areas of interest and need among local students. These findings are guiding the next phase of PEACH’s development, expanding beyond clinical care to include educational outreach, mentorship, and broader community wellness initiatives.
Since its launch, PEACH has grown from just five volunteers to over 150 members. The organization continues to partner closely with Penn Medicine to expand physician participation, acquire essential medical equipment, and reach more schools and communities across Philadelphia, particularly those with limited healthcare access. Through these collaborative efforts, PEACH continues to strengthen its commitment to accessibility, education, and service, building healthier communities and empowering students across Philadelphia.
Present
2021
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a team of family medicine physicians at Penn Medicine came together to establish the Physical Event Program, which provided free physical examinations for high school athletes throughout the Philadelphia community.