Building Approachable Surgical Experiences (BASE) in High School Populations

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Outreach
• Health Equity

Background:

• Pipeline programs often start too late for diverse students to overcome barriers to medical school.
• Early intervention is crucial to diversify the future physician workforce.
• Targeting high school students can address gaps in healthcare career exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the Building Approachable Surgical Experiences (BASE) outreach program on historically underserved high school students.
• To increase interest and confidence in pursuing medical and surgical careers.
• To establish a platform for mentorship between students and healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• The BASE program invited local high school students from underrepresented in medicine (URiM) populations or medically underserved communities to an academic medical school.
• Students participated in hands-on clinical and basic operative skill workshops led by medical students.
• Small group discussions focused on mentorship with surgical residents and faculty.

Main Results:

• Forty high school students, 16 medical students, and 2 surgery faculty participated.
• The program provided early exposure to surgical and medical specialties and clinical techniques.
• Students developed mentorship relationships and felt more comfortable seeking guidance on medical school entrance.

Conclusions:

• The BASE pilot program effectively provided high school students with insight into healthcare careers.
• The program format was encouraging and fostered confidence in pursuing medical and surgical paths.
• Initiated mentorship relationships offer direct guidance for students from underrepresented backgrounds aspiring to become physicians.