Priyanka Fernandes1, Karina Wang2, Jason Timmerman2, Angela Reyes2, Faye Holmes2, Omonike A Olaleye3, Hamisu M Salihu4, Victoria A Moerchen5, Harolyn M E Belcher6, Nikeea Copeland-Linder7, Charlotte A Noble8, Cheryl A Vamos8, Anna Armstrong8, Catrina R Waters9, Deneen Long-White10, Claudia Brown11, Madhavi M Reddy11, Alice Kuo2. 1. University of California, Los Angeles, 911 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA. pfernandes@mednet.ucla.edu. 2. University of California, Los Angeles, 911 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA. 3. Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne St, Houston, TX, 77004, USA. 4. Baylor College of Medicine, 3701 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX, 77098, USA. 5. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3409 N. Downer Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA. 6. Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. 7. University of Maryland, 1119 Taliaferro Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA. 8. University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA. 9. Alabama State University, 915 S. Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA. 10. Howard University, 2400 6th St NW, Washington, DC, 20059, USA. 11. Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20857, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Pipeline Training Program, promotes development of a diverse health workforce by training undergraduate students from underrepresented minorities. We aimed to evaluate the success of this program based on three domains: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) academic and career development, and (3) attitudes towards the field of MCH and the training programs among graduates. METHODS: Three domains of success were determined through a collaborative effort between current program directors and the funding agency project officers. The survey with questions related to the three domains was distributed via an online platform to graduates from seven sites (one former site and six current sites). Data were analyzed and presented utilizing descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 550 graduates, 162 responded (37% response rate). Demographically, 78% were female, 54% were Black/African American, 22% were Latinx and 83% did not report any disability. Eighty percent of respondents applied to graduate/professional schools, 67% received admission. Graduates often continued to work in MCH fields (70%). Majority felt confident and knowledgeable in the field (89%) and agreed the faculty were supportive at their training sites (90%). CONCLUSION: The study highlights successes in recruiting from underrepresented minorities, particularly Black/African Americans and first-time college goers in the family into the MCH Pipeline Training Programs. Programs were successful in furthering academic and career development for most trainees. Attitudes towards MCH and the training programs were overwhelmingly positive. Continued support of these programs is critical in addressing health disparities and achieving health equity.
INTRODUCTION: The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Pipeline Training Program, promotes development of a diverse health workforce by training undergraduate students from underrepresented minorities. We aimed to evaluate the success of this program based on three domains: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) academic and career development, and (3) attitudes towards the field of MCH and the training programs among graduates. METHODS: Three domains of success were determined through a collaborative effort between current program directors and the funding agency project officers. The survey with questions related to the three domains was distributed via an online platform to graduates from seven sites (one former site and six current sites). Data were analyzed and presented utilizing descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 550 graduates, 162 responded (37% response rate). Demographically, 78% were female, 54% were Black/African American, 22% were Latinx and 83% did not report any disability. Eighty percent of respondents applied to graduate/professional schools, 67% received admission. Graduates often continued to work in MCH fields (70%). Majority felt confident and knowledgeable in the field (89%) and agreed the faculty were supportive at their training sites (90%). CONCLUSION: The study highlights successes in recruiting from underrepresented minorities, particularly Black/African Americans and first-time college goers in the family into the MCH Pipeline Training Programs. Programs were successful in furthering academic and career development for most trainees. Attitudes towards MCH and the training programs were overwhelmingly positive. Continued support of these programs is critical in addressing health disparities and achieving health equity.
Authors: Alice A Kuo; Bobby Verdugo; Faye J Holmes; Katherine A Henry; Julie H Vo; Victor H Perez; Moira Inkelas; Alma D Guerrero Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2015-10