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Lasse Leponiemi

Chairman, The HundrED Foundation
first.last@hundred.org

Dr. Interested

Supporting youth in finding their unique "spark" in healthcare!

Dr. Interested helps youth explore healthcare and mental health by providing mentorship, programs, and hands-on experiences. We empower young changemakers to discover their passions, build skills, and take meaningful action, helping each student find their unique “spark” in healthcare.

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated December 2025
Web presence

22

Countries
All students
Target group
I hope to see education become more accessible, human, and connected to real life. Through Dr. Interested, we aim to improve career education in schools worldwide by giving students mentorship and exposure to healthcare and mental health pathways. Education should inspire curiosity, purpose, and confidence, not just grades.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

I created Dr. Interested to address the lack of accessible opportunities for youth to explore healthcare and mental health careers. Many students want to make a difference but don’t know where to start or who to turn to for guidance. I wanted to build a platform that connects young people with mentorship, resources, and hands-on experiences, helping them discover their unique interests and make an impact in their communities.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

In practice, Dr. Interested offers workshops, research competitions, mentorship programs, and community initiatives. Students can participate online or in-person to explore topics like medicine, biomedical research, and mental health. Our events include interactive sessions with professionals, collaborative projects, and opportunities to apply learning to real-world challenges. Every program is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and empowering, giving youth the tools and confidence to take action.

How has it been spreading?

Dr. Interested has grown to reach over 60,000 young people across 70 countries. We’ve partnered with organizations, schools, and global youth networks to share our programs widely. Social media, newsletters, and word-of-mouth from participants have helped us connect with students globally. Our expansion has focused on accessibility and community building, ensuring young people everywhere can participate and benefit from the resources we provide.

How have you modified or added to your innovation?

Over time, we’ve added new mentorship programs, research competitions, and interactive workshops based on participant feedback. We also launched themed initiatives like the “Cards for Doctors” campaign to promote gratitude and community engagement. Each change is guided by our goal of making programs more accessible, engaging, and impactful for youth around the world.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

You can start by visiting our website at [drinterested.org] and signing up for programs or newsletters. We offer online workshops, mentorship opportunities, and competitions that you can join from anywhere. Follow us on social media to stay updated on events and initiatives, or reach out directly to get involved in a project or collaboration. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, so any young person interested in healthcare or mental health can participate.

Implementation steps

Start by identifying a group of students interested in healthcare or mental health.
Start by identifying a group of students interested in healthcare or mental health.
Connect with Dr. Interested through our website or social media to access resources and guidance.
Connect with Dr. Interested through our website or social media to access resources and guidance.
Host an introductory workshop or session using our materials.
Host an introductory workshop or session using our materials.
Encourage students to participate in mentorship programs or events.
Encourage students to participate in mentorship programs or events.
Support youth in creating small projects or discussions and share outcomes to grow the community.
Support youth in creating small projects or discussions and share outcomes to grow the community.

Spread of the innovation

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