HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Free summer pathway programs at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine help high school and undergraduate students decide if a career in medicine is right for them and prepare them for application to medical school. 

A Virtual Summer Academy will be held May 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for undergraduate students who are interested in applying to medical school. Topics will include interviewing skills, maximizing study skills, admissions tips from admission committee members and staff, and advice from current medical students.  

“The Virtual Academy is a great opportunity for college students who are just starting their academic careers as well as students who are farther along and planning to apply to medical school this summer,” said Jennifer Plymale, director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health and associate dean for admissions at the School of Medicine.  

The one-day academy is open to West Virginia residents and out-of-state students currently enrolled in a West Virginia public or private accredited college or university. Students must have completed at least 30 college credit hours to participate. Register now through May 6. at https://www.cognitoforms.com/marshallhealth2/virtualsummeracademyregistrationform. 

The Health Care Pathways Initiative (HCPI) will run from June 2-28. HCPI is a four-week residential experience on the Marshall University campus that gives high school students from West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky a glimpse into the care setting and structure of STEM workplaces, including those in science, research, health care, pharmacy, nursing health informatics and engineering. The deadline to register is April 4. HCPI is a UNITE program funded by the Army Educational Outreach Program with support from Marshall Health Network and the Marshall University Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy.  

Project PREMED will be held from July 14-19. This program offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to explore medical school as a career path. Students also gain insights into the processes and preparation required for applying to and attending medical school. Apply now through May 3.  

Registration and additional information about HCPI and Project PREMED are available at:  https://jcesom.marshall.edu/students/diversity-inclusion/programs/. 

“HCPI provides immersive experiences that showcase health science and STEM careers students may not have previously considered,” said Shelvy L. Campbell-Monroe, Ph.D., associate dean for diversity and inclusion at the schools of medicine and pharmacy. “Project PREMED’S faculty, staff and students provide participants with tools to assist them with admission requirements for medical school.” 

There is no cost to participate in any of these programs. For additional details about the Virtual Summer Academy, you can reach Amber Vance at 304.691.1184 or elkins34@marshall.edu. For more information about HCPI or Project PREMED, please contact Dr. Campbell at 304.691.1607 or campbels@marshall.edu.   

Date Posted: Thursday, March 21, 2024