2023 MIT Critical Datathon

Participants in MIT’s Hacking Medicine Grand Hack.

The Patient Safety Technology Challenge, funded by the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, sponsored MIT’s Critical Datathon this year. Held on MIT’s campus from May 18-19th, 2023, focused on health equity within patient safety.

The Datathon paired students from underrepresented groups in the greater Boston-area to health equity investigators across several disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and health equity to serve as mentors.

There were a total of nine teams, each made up of three high school students, one student from Bunker Hill Community College, two to four undergraduate students, and one to two mentors. The student–professional teams were charged with identifying correction models for pulse oximetry as patients of color often experience falsely elevated oxygen readings due to limitations in how pulse oximeters have been designed. 

According to David Restrepo, a mentor for the program, "MIT Critical Datathon 2023 was an inspiring convergence of data science and health care, where clinicians and data scientists collaborated passionately. As a mentor, I had the privilege to guide teams in integrating data science into the creation of AI models for health care, emphasizing the significance of addressing bias and health inequality. Witnessing the involvement of high school students in this transformative process reaffirmed the power of inclusive innovation and their role as future changemakers."

At the conclusion of the Datathon, teams presented what they were able to accomplish and the challenges they faced. No winner or prize money was given. Instead, this was an opportunity for acquiring knowledge, collaborating, learning new skills, presenting what they were able to achieve as a team and what they see as opportunities for the future.

Nikita Mullangi, a high school participant, shared, "Participating in the MIT Critical Datathon was an enlightening and unforgettable experience. It provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with diverse minds, deep-dive into complex datasets, and grapple with the challenging — yet rewarding — task of turning raw data into impactful insights all while meeting so many new people. The event was an incredible testament to the power of critical thinking and the importance of data literacy in today's world."

The Patient Safety Technology Challenge was excited to be a part of this unique event that brought together a diverse group of young innovators.