Session Objectives:
-Describe a replicable model for integrating training and mentorship into health professions education.
-Discuss strategies for using reflective practice to deepen awareness.
-Develop insights into building sustainable, interprofessional partnerships that support learners at multiple levels.

Purpose
This Lightning Talk introduces a four-year interprofessional healthcare pathway, Discovery Healthcare Program, designed to increase access to health careers for high school students from a variety of backgrounds. This program uniquely integrates undergraduate and graduate students as mentors and co-creators of this curriculum.

Methods
Undergraduate mentors engage in the classroom and community to support curriculum development and implementation of programmatic components, and to further their career and professional identity growth through hands-on learning. These mentors receive training in health disparities, mentoring, and leadership, which they apply through direct engagement and reflective practice.

Results
One hundred and sixty eight undergraduate and graduate students have participated in this program over the course of the last six years.
This talk will highlight how this model supports the professional development of these future healthcare providers by:
-Enhancing awareness of systemic barriers.
-Fostering leadership and mentorship skills.
-Promoting reflective learning through service-based experiences.

Conclusions
This initiative not only broadens the pathway for high school students into healthcare professions but also strengthens the competence and professional identity of undergraduate and graduate student participants. Attendees will gain insight into replicable strategies for building community-engaged educational pathways that align with IAMSE’s mission of advancing professional development in health professions education.