Title:SOM students team up with local barbers

A year after five Georgetown School of Medicine students won a scholarship prize at the Georgetown Public Policy Challenge, they are implementing their “Trimming the Risk” proposal to improve heart health in Washington, DC, through barbershops.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the District, and hypertension is the number one risk factor for heart disease, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and death. Ryan Braun (M’26), Evan Czulada (M’25), Stefan Prvulovic (M’27), Holly Shan (M’26), and Mana Sheykhsoltan (M’25) proposed setting up regular blood pressure screenings at barbershops where patrons may be at high risk.

Historically, barbershops, particularly those in Black and brown communities, have played a role in educating and leading community health care. The students felt that individuals visiting a barbershop would be more receptive to preventive health care ideas.

“We have these amazing hospitals in DC, but they’re typically only accessed by the sickest of patients,” says Braun. “We want to reach people earlier, before they come to us at the hospital.”

After winning the McCourt prize in April 2024, the team secured more funding through one of Georgetown’s RADIANCE (Respect, Advocacy, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-racism, Collaboration, and Equity) grants. The award monies cover the cost of blood pressure cuffs, as well as small incentives.

Volunteers have started training barbers at three local barbershops on how to take blood pressure readings.

“We thought that it might be difficult to get community buy-in, but that has not been the case,” says Braun. “The barbers are willing to take time away from their families to stay after work and learn about blood pressure from us. Their dedication shows how invested they are in their community.”

As two of the students from the team graduate this year, the younger students will take over the efforts, partnering with LaTasha Seliby Perkins, assistant professor of medicine at the School of Medicine, and a local organization called Black Men in White Coats, which provides underrepresented minority youth with exposure to the medical field.

“I came to Georgetown wanting to leave something past my time here,” says Braun. “This program is sustainable, has community buy-in, and positively impacts the local residents. It helps Georgetown medical students get out into the community and helps increase interactions that will ultimately save lives.”