HSC Education Days
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2-9-2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The social mission of health professional schools is generally to ensure a diverse cadre of providers is trained to care for populations, with particular attention paid to the delivery of primary care in underserved areas. Students who attend community college (CC) before matriculating to a health professional program typically bring diversity and concordance with local population demographics. However, CC students face more challenges than traditional students in obtaining proper resources and support to prepare for graduate programs, including mentorship. This study aimed to identify challenges faced by CC students, such as financial status, cultural backgrounds, and fear of medical school admissions committee perceptions on community educational paths.
METHODS:
We expanded an existing medical student/ CC student mentorship program to other specialties offered at our health sciences campus, including pharmacy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistants. RESULTS: 41 mentors and 36 mentees participated. There were 30 mentor surveys, and 8 mentee responses returned. Our preliminary results show significant challenges, including low socioeconomic status, first-generation college status, and fear of admissions committees' perceptions of CC educational paths. There was 100% agreement that the program was a success. These results will help to inform educational healthcare institutions of methods to attract and support a diverse study body, including students from non-traditional backgrounds. The identification of strategies that encourage local students and retain them post-graduation may help to address provider shortages in medically underserved areas.
CONCLUSION:
Educating a fit-for-purpose health workforce is crucial to improving access to healthcare. If resource challenges are addressed, a potential means of increasing diversity in healthcare and addressing the shortage of providers specializing in primary care may be identified.
Recommended Citation
Lowe, Annslee; Amy Clithero-Eridon; Cameron Crandall; and Marlene P. Ballejos. "Role of Mentorship in Recruiting Community College Students into Health Professions Programs." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_ed_day/178
Comments
Presented at HSC Education Day 2024