EquityRx Tank: A Shark Tank-Inspired, Game-Based Workshop to Build Persuasive Communication and Collaboration Skills in Health Professions Education

Health professions education often prioritizes content mastery over essential competencies such as communication, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. EquityRx Tank, a Shark Tank-inspired, game-based workshop, was developed to foster persuasive communication and collaboration skills. Grounded in Understanding by Design and Experiential Learning Theory, EquityRx Tank was implemented as a standalone 90-minute session within a six-week summer enrichment program. The workshop was delivered across five cohorts (2019–2023; n = 71) and enrolled primarily undergraduate learners, many of whom self-identified as members of groups underrepresented in medicine and biomedical research. Participants represented varied racial/ethnic identities, geographic backgrounds, and first-generation college student status. Learners rated the workshop highly (mean 9.44/10). Reflexive thematic analysis of written feedback identified themes of satisfaction, engagement, productive discomfort, collaboration, and perceived skill development. EquityRx Tank offers a resource-light, reproducible framework with tangible instructional materials that can be adapted for enrichment programs, interprofessional curricula, and faculty development.