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MEDPREP--30 years of making a difference.
Evelyn W Jackson1, Shirley McGlinn, Michael Rainey
1Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIUSOM), Carbondale, Illinois, USA. ejackson@siumed.edu
Summary
The Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program (MEDPREP) successfully prepares educationally disadvantaged and underrepresented minority students for medical school. This program boasts high acceptance and graduation rates, demonstrating its effectiveness in fostering future healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Health Equity
- Student Success Programs
Background:
- The Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program (MEDPREP) at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine has a long history of serving disadvantaged students.
- A significant majority of MEDPREP participants, 78% of former and 95% of current students, belong to underrepresented minority groups (URMs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term impact and success rates of the MEDPREP program.
- To highlight the program's role in increasing diversity in medical education.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal tracking of student outcomes since the program's inception in 1972.
- Analysis of acceptance rates into professional schools, specifically medical schools.
- Assessment of graduation rates for students accepted into professional programs.
Main Results:
- Over 30 years, 68% of MEDPREP students were accepted into professional schools, with 92% of those entering medical school.
- Students attended 90 different medical schools nationwide.
- Of those accepted, 87% have graduated or are on track to graduate.
Conclusions:
- MEDPREP effectively fulfills its mission of preparing disadvantaged and minority students for medical school admission and success.
- The program's success is attributed to its supportive environment, individualized curricula, faculty dedication, and student commitment.
- MEDPREP significantly contributes to diversifying the medical profession.