Cassandra D L Fritz1, Valerie G Press1, Darrell Nabers1, Dana Levinson1, Holly Humphrey1, Monica B Vela2,3. 1. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. 2. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. mvela@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu. 3. Biological Sciences Learning Center, Suite 104, 924 East 57th St., Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. mvela@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Medical schools may find implementing pipeline programs for minority pre-medical students prohibitive due to a number of factors including the lack of well-described programs in the literature, the limited evidence for program development, and institutional financial barriers. Our goals were to (1) design a pipeline program based on educational theory; (2) deliver the program in a low cost, sustainable manner; and (3) evaluate intermediate outcomes of the program. METHODS: SEALS is a 6-week program based on an asset bundles model designed to promote: (1) socialization and professionalism, (2) education in science learning tools, (3) acquisition of finance literacy, (4) the leveraging of mentorship and networks, and (5) social expectations and resilience, among minority pre-medical students. This is a prospective mixed methods study. Students completed survey instruments pre-program, post-program, and 6 months post-program, establishing intermediate outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirteen students matriculated to SEALS. The SEALS cohort rated themselves as improved or significantly improved when asked to rate their familiarity with MCAT components (p < 0.01), ability to ask for a letter of recommendation (p = 0.04), and importance of interview skills (p = 0.04) compared with before the program. Over 90 % of students referenced the health disparities lecture series as an inspiration to advocate for minority health. Six-month surveys suggested that SEALS students acquired and applied four of the five assets at their college campuses. CONCLUSIONS: This low-cost, high-quality, program can be undertaken by medical schools interested in promoting a diverse workforce that may ultimately begin to address and reduce health care disparities.
OBJECTIVE: Medical schools may find implementing pipeline programs for minority pre-medical students prohibitive due to a number of factors including the lack of well-described programs in the literature, the limited evidence for program development, and institutional financial barriers. Our goals were to (1) design a pipeline program based on educational theory; (2) deliver the program in a low cost, sustainable manner; and (3) evaluate intermediate outcomes of the program. METHODS: SEALS is a 6-week program based on an asset bundles model designed to promote: (1) socialization and professionalism, (2) education in science learning tools, (3) acquisition of finance literacy, (4) the leveraging of mentorship and networks, and (5) social expectations and resilience, among minority pre-medical students. This is a prospective mixed methods study. Students completed survey instruments pre-program, post-program, and 6 months post-program, establishing intermediate outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirteen students matriculated to SEALS. The SEALS cohort rated themselves as improved or significantly improved when asked to rate their familiarity with MCAT components (p < 0.01), ability to ask for a letter of recommendation (p = 0.04), and importance of interview skills (p = 0.04) compared with before the program. Over 90 % of students referenced the health disparities lecture series as an inspiration to advocate for minority health. Six-month surveys suggested that SEALS students acquired and applied four of the five assets at their college campuses. CONCLUSIONS: This low-cost, high-quality, program can be undertaken by medical schools interested in promoting a diverse workforce that may ultimately begin to address and reduce health care disparities.
Entities:
Keywords:
Diversity; Enrichment programs; Liaison Committee for Medical Education; Medical curriculum; Minority medical students; Pipeline programs
Authors: Liselotte N Dyrbye; Matthew R Thomas; Anne Eacker; William Harper; F Stanford Massie; David V Power; Mashele Huschka; Paul J Novotny; Jeff A Sloan; Tait D Shanafelt Journal: Arch Intern Med Date: 2007-10-22
Authors: Melissa Parsons; Martina T Caldwell; Al'ai Alvarez; Dayle Davenport; Moises Gallegos; Adaira Landry; Michael Gottlieb; Sreeja Natesan Journal: West J Emerg Med Date: 2022-07-01