This presentation will examine the obstacles and challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing STEM and medicine fields and explore strategies for creating more equitable pathways to success. Through an examination of current research, we will delve into the ways in which structural barriers can limit access and opportunities for underrepresented groups. To illustrate these points, the presentation will feature examples of successful outreach programs at the University of Houston College of Medicine and City University of New York School of Medicine. These programs aim to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM and medicine fields by providing research opportunities, mentorship, financial support, and other resources. Overall, this presentation aims to provide understanding of the complex issues surrounding equity in STEM and Medicine, and to inspire attendees to take meaningful steps towards creating a more just and equitable future at their institutions.

In 2015, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation funded 8 medical schools with accelerated three-year MD programs to form the Consortium of Accelerated Medical Pathway Programs (CAMPP).  The mission of CAMPP is to understand the logistical, financial, regulatory and competency concerns related to the formation of such programs. The Consortium now includes approximately 30 member schools that have produced a critical mass of graduates—learners who have transitioned to residency and to practice suggesting continued wide interest in expansion of these programs. Criticisms surrounding these programs includes the competence and readiness of graduates to enter residency.  

This webinar session will discuss the key lessons learned from the development of an accelerated program guided by faculty who have considerable experience in designing and successfully implementing accelerated curricula. This session will describe the components that need to be considered when starting an accelerated program including the admissions model, curriculum development, student promotion and remediation, mentoring, partnering with residency programs, program evaluation and funding. The impact of a 3-year program in encouraging growth of primary care, reducing student debt, and enhancing the UME-to-GME continuum will also be discussed. Student outcome data including wellness and performance in residency will be presented.  This webinar will be particularly informative for institutions interested in accelerated pathway medical education.

Rural pipelines and pathways can take many different forms. It might be to enhance the scope and breadth of physicians serving in rural/underserved primary care areas, it might be to allow exposure to the surrounding cultures, or to develop a cultural identity, community and pride in various backgrounds, histories, values, and so on. Whatever the goal (or maybe it is all), the bonds formed in these activities can strengthen both students and communities. Medical Schools have been developing rural pipelines and pathways for many years. In this session, we will hear from two institutions regarding efforts to increase awareness in rural/underserved/tribal communities.

Postbaccalaureate premedical programs provide an important pathway for students to get into medical school. As the number and percentage of medical school matriculants participating in such programs increases, it is important to take a closer look at the metrics that are supposed to inform us about academic readiness, especially for the preclerkship curriculum and licensing exams. This session will highlight the literature on postbaccalaureate premedical programs and the relationships between preadmission metrics, such as GPA and MCAT, and academic performance.

The goal of diversifying the physician workforce has been in the forefront of medical education for several decades. Despite this seemingly concerted effort we still do not show a significant increase towards a workforce that reflects the healthcare needs of the diverse population of the United States. Pathway programs have been found to be successful in targeted recruitment of learners into medicine. In this session we will discuss how we can think about the steps involved in developing an admissions process as one element towards the goal of an equitable system of educating physicians. We will also consider some of the shared challenges that programs and participants face towards achieving this goal.