ICDI Pitch Night was held in September 2024, providing an opportunity for injury control researchers, clinicians, and technology innovators to connect in developing data, software, and technology solutions for addressing local health priorities.
Meet the Pitch Night 2024 Injury Control Winner: Buddies Space!
Buddies Space, led by Alaa Elnajjar, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior with team members Rana Mouawad and Phillip Phan, is an innovative digital platform designed to support physicians during early career and training transitions. Recognizing the high levels of stress and burnout faced by healthcare professionals, Buddies Space offers timely access to mental health services and peer support through an easy-to-use- mobile app. The platform provides physicians with resources such as mentorship opportunities, mental health counseling, and a community space to connect with peers who share similar experiences. By promoting emotional well-being and providing support when it is needed most, Buddies Space aims to reduce burnout, lower stress levels, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of care delivered to patients.
The next Digital Health Pitch Competition will be held October 15th, 2025!
At each Pitch Competition, hosted by the Injury Control COBRE, selected investigators will present their injury control digital innovation concepts in a brief pitch and Q&A. Judges, consisting of ICDI Core Faculty and Expert Panel Members, will select the winner(s). The winners will receive pilot research grant funding of up to $15,000 as well as dedicated mentorship from a representative from the ICDI Core.
