Laying the Kahua (Foundation): Incorporating Elements of Attitude and Purpose for Underrepresented Student Success at the University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine 'Imi Ho'ōla Post-Baccalaureate Program.

The 'Imi Ho'ōla Post-Baccalaureate Program is a proven pathway to medicine that has significantly increased the number of underrepresented and disadvantaged students that complete medical school in Hawai'i. A recent program evaluation indicated a relationship between student success and the significance of attitude and purpose from the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory. Curricular innovations in a 5-week introductory course during Phase 1, lay the foundation to promote a healthy attitude with purpose-led activities, such as personalized journal vision covers, weekly journal reflections, a multimedia autobiography, and projects focusing on medical specialties, well-being, and resiliency. Such purposeful innovations are vital for the success of underrepresented students, with the ultimate intent to diversify the physician workforce and to increase the number of physicians serving in underrepresented and underserved communities in Hawai'i and throughout the Pacific. ©Copyright 2022 by University Health Partners of Hawai‘i (UHP Hawai‘i).