Leah Sarah Peer
Leah Sarah Peer is the Founder & Executive Director of the Peer Medical Foundation (PMF), a youth-led international not-for-profit organization advancing health equity, diversity, inclusivity and racial justice in medicine. As a passionate medical trainee and a young community leader, she is dedicated to advocating for health equity and rare disease education. Her commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of rare diseases among healthcare professionals and the general public has led her to develop innovative solutions, including the Peer Med Zebra initiative. Through her leadership, Leah has inspired others to join her mission, as she continues to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry and the rare disease community.
Peer Med Zebra Food & Health
Peer Med Zebra is an initiative advocating for rare disease intersectionality with a focus on health equity and genetics in caring for those with undiagnosed, invisible, ultra-rare and rare diseases, particularly diseases that disproportionately affect underserved communities. We aim to improve the care and treatment of rare disease patients through: Educating healthcare professionals and students, providing access to information, peer support, and advocacy services to patients. We aim to create a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system that recognizes the unique needs and experiences of rare disease patients.
https://www.peermedfoundation.org/About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
- At risk youth & children
- Senior citizens
- Refugees & newcomers
- Persons with disabilities
- Indigenous Peoples
- LGBTQ2+ Community members
- Racial or visible minorities
- Vulnerable individuals (e.g. those experiencing addiction, abuse)
- Multi-barrier populations
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
- SDG 3: Good health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality education
- SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
How the project works
Peer Med Zebra worked on a variety of different initiatives that include developing curriculums on rare diseases and health equity for healthcare professionals and students, conducting surveys to assess interest in the rare disease and health equity space, partnering with healthcare organizations and patient advocacy groups to promote rare disease education and awareness, and advocating for health equity in rare diseases. However, the focus for this iteration was curating care packages for patients in the community, this involved thoughtful consideration of the individual's needs, preferences, and circumstances. We provided comfort, support, and sometimes entertainment during challenging times. Activities included: Assessment of Recipient's Needs, Selection of Items, Encouraging Messages, Coordination with Healthcare Team, and Packaging and Delivery.
Project Impact
The biggest success with Peer Med Zebra's care packages was bridging healthcare disparities and a tangible improvement in the well-being of patients, providing them comfort, emotional support, and addressing their practical needs during challenging times. We wanted to ensure that regardless of their socio-economic status, participants would have access to essential comfort and self-care items. Furthermore, the care packages raised awareness about the importance of community support for individuals facing health challenges and demonstrated the power of collaborative efforts. Receiving positive feedback and heartfelt testimonials from the patients and their families, expressing how the care packages made a meaningful difference in their lives is something I am most proud of.
Project Mission
Peer Med Zebra's mission is to promote health equity for rare disease patients, particularly those from underserved communities, by providing education and resources to healthcare professionals. Its goals include increasing awareness and understanding of rare diseases and health equity, promoting early and accurate diagnosis of rare diseases, and improving access to effective treatments and care for rare disease patients.
Project Team
All Peer Med Zebra team members have the lived experience and connection to rare diseases.
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