Paradigm Shift: Outcomes from a Physician-Scientist Undergraduate Pipeline Program.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Medical Education
• Health Equity

Background:

• Structural inequities hinder underrepresented in medicine (URiM) trainees from entering the physician-scientist pipeline.
• Diverse medical teams are crucial for culturally responsive care and advancing biomedical research.
• The physician-scientist role integrates clinical practice with research, requiring specialized training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the Preparation for Graduate and Medical Education (PARAdiGM) program on increasing URiM student entry into the physician-scientist pipeline.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of early exposure, mentorship, and programmatic support in preparing URiM students for academic medicine careers.

Main Methods:

• The PARAdiGM program provides early exposure to physician-scientist training.
• Key components include research experience, career exposure, presentation skills development, mentorship, and application assistance.
• The program emphasizes an immersive framework and longitudinal mentoring.

Main Results:

• The PARAdiGM program has demonstrably increased URiM student entry into the physician-scientist pipeline since its 2014 inception.
• A majority of PARAdiGM alumni have matriculated into US medical schools.
• 16% of PARAdiGM alumni are currently enrolled in MD-PhD programs, indicating successful progression.

Conclusions:

• The PARAdiGM program's immersive framework and longitudinal mentoring are effective in preparing URiM students for physician-scientist careers.
• Pipeline programs should incorporate these elements to foster self-growth and community integration for URiM trainees.
• Addressing barriers to URiM entry is essential for diversifying academic medicine.