Preparing high school students for a career in the health sciences

Area of Science:

• Health professions education
• Medical school outreach programs
• Minority student recruitment in health sciences

Background:

• The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine's Summer Scholars Programs aim to identify and encourage minority or economically disadvantaged high school students towards health science careers.
• The program provides exposure to patient care, develops essential interpersonal and interviewing skills, and offers information on diverse health careers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the Summer Scholars Programs on participants' career choices and educational pursuits in health sciences.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness in preparing students for health education programs and clarifying their perceptions of health roles.

Main Methods:

• A one-month educational program in the summer of 1984 involved 31 high school students observing and participating in patient care.
• A post-program questionnaire was administered to 18 senior participants to gather data on their academic performance and higher education plans.

Main Results:

• All 18 senior participants pursued rigorous academic programs and achieved superior levels in their coursework.
• Fourteen of the 18 students planned to pursue careers in medicine.
• Students reported that the program was effective in aiding their understanding, preparation, and decision-making regarding health science careers.

Conclusions:

• The Summer Scholars Programs successfully influenced participants' academic and career trajectories towards health sciences.
• The program effectively equipped students with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful application and pursuit of health careers.
• The initiative demonstrates a positive impact on encouraging underrepresented students into the medical field.