Presented By: Yuriy Slyvka, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Co-Authors: Kelly Davidson, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jill Harman, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ruger Porter, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Christian Stork, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Purpose 
To improve the readiness and success of students from Appalachian counties in Southeast Ohio and underrepresented minority students at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUHCOM), a pipeline program called the Pre-Matriculation Program was created. Here we describe the program's goals and outcomes. 

Methods 
The Pre-Matriculation Program began 41 years ago and was most recently updated in 2023 to mirror the current OU-HCOM curriculum. Participants must be from Appalachian counties in Southeast Ohio, or from a population that has been historically underrepresented in medicine. This 4-week program is designed to facilitate the transition of accepted students into the OUHCOM curriculum by immersion in activities representing the first-year educational experience. We surveyed the academic performance of cohorts from the last 2 years, with a special focus on anatomy, histology, and physiology, and looked back on their performance at OUHCOM. 

Results 
Over the last 2 years, 30 scholars completed the program and matriculated to OUHCOM. According to our survey, 17% did not have any previous experience in Histology (approximately 50% were not exposed to digital slides), 10% had no experience with human anatomy (53% had no experience in cadaver dissection), and 3% had no previous experience with physiology. At the end of the course, 85% of students reported increased confidence in anatomy, 75% in histology, and 84% in physiology. All participants indicated an improved understanding of OUHCOM's curriculum and were satisfied with the overall level of teaching. It was also shown that 100% of program participants from the last two years are progressing satisfactorily through the curriculum. 

Conclusion 
OUHCOM established a summer program that provides an opportunity for participants to improve their academic performance in medical school. This program improved knowledge of basic sciences disciplines, OUHCOM's curriculum, all serving the goal of improving academic performance, student retention, and graduation.