Creating a Comprehensive Approach to Exposing Underrepresented Pre-health Professions Students to Clinical Medicine...

Area of Science:

• Health Equity Research
• Medical Education Pipeline
• Diversity in Health Professions

Background:

• Persistent health disparities affect underserved and disadvantaged populations nationwide.
• There is a critical need to eliminate health inequities and increase diversity in the health workforce.
• The US population requires a health professional demographic that accurately reflects its diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a health professions pipeline program on preparing underrepresented students for health careers.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Health Disparities Clinical Summer Research Fellowship Program (HDCSRFP) in fostering interest and competitiveness in medicine.
• To demonstrate a model for increasing diversity within health professions through targeted educational interventions.

Main Methods:

• The Health Professions Partnership's HDCSRFP provided a seven-week immersive experience for undergraduate students.
• Participants engaged in health disparities research, clinical shadowing, and faculty/student mentorship.
• Research projects focused on reducing health inequities, culminating in a poster symposium.

Main Results:

• 121 participants between 2008-2018 conducted research on reducing health inequities, particularly in urban settings.
• 92% of program alumni pursued health careers or further studies post-undergraduation.
• 46% of program graduates were accepted or matriculated into medical school by 2018.

Conclusions:

• The HDCSRFP effectively increases student aptitude and competitiveness for health careers.
• The program serves as a successful model for exposing students to medicine and health research.
• Pipeline programs like HDCSRFP are vital for enhancing diversity in the health professions.