College of Medicine pathway programs promote a biomedical workforce for all
When health science professionals understand patients’ unique life experiences, it yields better medical care, improves patient outcomes and helps close health equity gaps.
That’s why The Ohio State University College of Medicine is dedicated to training a diverse group of learners to be tomorrow’s health care providers and researchers. Through a variety of pathway programs for undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students, Ohio State is working to create a biomedical workforce representative of the communities in which they serve.
“As health disparities persist around the world and in our own communities, we know how important it is to build a diverse health care workforce to battle inequities,” says Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, dean of the Ohio State College of Medicine. “Our offerings in the College of Medicine aim to support students from a wide variety of backgrounds to ultimately provide excellent patient care and drive medical discovery for all.”
MEDPATH
The MEDPATH program is a one-year postbaccalaureate program aimed at increasing the number of students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds who enter medical school and who show commitment to practice in a medically underserved community.
The program develops students' academic knowledge and skills to ensure their success prior to entering medical school. The yearlong program begins with an orientation that focuses on learning strategies, test-taking and problem solving. Learners then take a variety of courses throughout the year, including biochemistry, genetics, histology, medical terminology, microbiology and physiology, with tutoring provided where necessary.
MEDPATH also offers community service opportunities, a mentoring program and professional development sessions. The final component of the program includes a six-week summer session with instruction in human gross anatomy, biochemistry and immunology to jumpstart familiarity with some of the courses they will encounter as medical students.
Successful completion of the program results in conditional acceptance to the Ohio State College of Medicine.
Discovery PREP
The Discovery Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) is a program funded by the National Institutes of Health aimed at preparing postbaccalaureate learners from diverse backgrounds to pursue a doctorate in biomedical research.
The one-year program provides intensive experience with top-tier research facilities and leading investigators at Ohio State. Throughout the program, learners receive comprehensive professional development and attend workshops to strengthen professional skills needed to excel in biomedical research.
Participants receive practical exposure to two to three laboratories before selecting one to join for the remainder of the year. Throughout the course of the program, they complete a research project and work toward the presentation and publication of research findings. Participants apply for admission into a PhD graduate program during their Discovery PREP year.
ASPIRE
The ASPIRE Medical Research Program aims to support undergraduate students who have not had the opportunity to engage in the health sciences. Participants could include students with disabilities, who come from economically and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, are the first in their family to attend college, or who have overcome economic or educational obstacles in obtaining higher education.
The 10-week immersive program is open to sophomores and juniors and provides participants with mentorship, research experience in world-class laboratories, and personal and academic support to prepare them for graduate or professional health science programs and careers as health care providers.
Throughout the program, students conduct research with a principal investigator, with opportunities to extend the experience into the academic year, if desired. Students participate in learning modules focused on health equity, research techniques, graduate and professional medical school applications, physician scientist career paths and mentoring. Participants also attend sessions each week to learn from physicians and professionals across The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the Ohio State College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and more.
