Student-Led Initiative
Rooted in student energy and curiosity, MedCivic is built by the next generation of researchers and public health advocates who bring fresh perspectives to longstanding challenges.
About MedCivic
Advancing medicine, technology and the public good
MedCivic is a nonprofit organization founded by students, researchers and community volunteers dedicated to building a safer, more trustworthy Internet.
MedCivic's mission is to advance research, education, and public interest policy at the intersection of medicine, public health, technology, and Internet governance. We focus on privacy, security, and trust — ensuring these principles benefit everyone, not just the technologically privileged.
We believe that students and early-career researchers are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between technical communities and the broader public. Our work reflects that belief every day.
We envision a world where the Internet serves as a force for health equity and public good — where medical information is accurate and accessible, digital privacy is a universal right, and technology governance reflects the needs of all communities.
MedCivic strives to be a trusted voice at the intersection of science, policy, and civic engagement, shaping a future where technology strengthens rather than undermines public health.
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Integrity
We are committed to honest, evidence-based work — free from commercial or political influence.
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Inclusion
We center the voices and needs of communities historically excluded from technology and health policy discussions.
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Collaboration
Complex challenges require interdisciplinary teams. We build coalitions across medicine, law, technology, and civil society.
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Transparency
Our research methods, funding sources, and decision-making processes are open to public scrutiny.
MedCivic was founded by a small group of medical students and computer science researchers who recognized a troubling gap: health misinformation was spreading faster than the public health community could respond, and the Internet governance bodies that could address it rarely included medical voices.
What began as an informal reading group in 2020 has grown into a nationwide network of student chapters, affiliated researchers, and community partners working together on research, education, and policy advocacy.
Today, MedCivic collaborates with public health agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to ensure that medicine and public health are represented wherever Internet policy is made.
Our Mission
To advance research, education, and public interest policy at the intersection of medicine, public health, technology and Internet governance, with a focus on privacy, security, and trust for all.
Research Driven
Every position we advocate and every resource we publish is grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed evidence. We let data guide our work and remain open to updating our views.
Public Impact
Our ultimate measure of success is whether our work makes the Internet safer and healthier for ordinary people — not just for experts or institutions.
Global Perspective
Internet health and medical misinformation are global challenges. We engage with international partners and governance forums to ensure solutions work across borders and cultures.
What We Stand For
Four principles that guide every project, publication, and partnership.
Trust
We build systems and norms that make it easier for people to identify reliable health information and harder for bad actors to exploit the Internet's reach.
Research
Original empirical research is the foundation of everything we publish. We publish openly and invite scrutiny because that is how science improves.
Education
From curriculum resources for health professionals to public-facing media literacy programs, we translate research into learning that reaches every level.
Public Impact
Research and education only matter if they drive change. We engage policymakers, platforms, and communities to turn findings into meaningful real-world improvements.
Get Involved
MedCivic is a volunteer-driven organization. Whether you are a student, researcher, clinician, or concerned citizen, there is a place for you here.