UMass Chan Medical Students Foster Community and Health at Worcester Earn-A-Bike

November 13, 2025 - 11:51

Second-year medical students Hoang Vo and Diego Marroquin dedicate several hours each month to volunteering at Worcester Earn-a-Bike, a community initiative aimed at promoting health and equity through cycling. This unique program not only teaches participants how to repair bicycles but also emphasizes the importance of physical activity and sustainable transportation.

Vo and Marroquin engage with community members of all ages, helping them learn essential bike maintenance skills while fostering a sense of community. The initiative also addresses broader health disparities by encouraging active lifestyles, which can lead to improved physical and mental well-being.

The students' commitment goes beyond just teaching; they also serve as mentors, inspiring participants to embrace cycling as a viable mode of transportation. Their involvement reflects a growing trend among medical students to engage in community service that aligns with their future roles as healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of social determinants of health in patient care. Through their efforts, Vo and Marroquin are making a meaningful impact in Worcester, promoting both health and community cohesion.