Supporting Innovation and Community Solutions Through the RISE Einstein Competition
Interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation took center stage as the inaugural RISE Case Competition concluded on March 15, 2026, at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
The competition, titled Reimagining Interdisciplinary Social Entrepreneurship, brought together trainees across MD, PhD, MD/PhD, and MPH programs from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and New York Medical College. Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants developed solutions to one of the Bronx’s most pressing challenges: housing insecurity and its impact on health.
Designed to promote health equity, innovation, and social entrepreneurship, the competition encouraged participants to think beyond traditional approaches and consider how systems, policy, and economic realities shape access to stable housing in New York City.
NIDC was proud to be represented by Director of Social Services Erica Hutcheck, who served on the judges’ panel alongside leaders and professionals across healthcare, housing, and community-based organizations. Together, the panel worked to ensure that each proposal reflected the real challenges facing Bronx communities while also identifying solutions that are both innovative and grounded in reality.
What began as a judging panel quickly evolved into a collaborative effort, with partners expressing a shared commitment to supporting the winning team in bringing their proposal to life. This continued engagement reflects the competition's deeper impact, extending beyond the event itself into long-term community-focused solutions.
Events like the RISE Case Competition highlight the power of bringing together emerging professionals, community leaders, and institutions to address complex issues. By centering housing insecurity as a key social determinant of health, the competition reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building healthier, more equitable communities.
NIDC is proud to support and participate in initiatives that invest in innovation, uplift new ideas, and create pathways for meaningful, lasting change in the Bronx.
