Albany State University (ASU) in Georgia’s Aspiring Scholars in Undergraduate Pre-Medicine Program is now offering college students greater opportunities to learn about the field of medicine first-hand at the University of Connecticut’s medical school both virtually and in-person.

The Program provides aspiring undergraduate health care professionals with robust exposure and experiences in medicine. The program combines academic enrichment, professional development, and cultural engagement to prepare scholars for their future careers as physicians or health care professionals. It helps foster an environment where students can thrive while gaining the skills, knowledge, and mentorship necessary for success.

The Program is part of The Minority Serving Institution Pathway Initiative (MSIPI), a groundbreaking, AAMC-funded program designed to increase access to health professions for students. The educational experience opportunity is part of ASU’s Bridge Excellence through Diverse Exposures in Medicine initiative.

In addition to UConn School of Medicine, ASU collaborates with Morehouse School of Medicine for student exposure to medicine opportunities.

“I am very pleased that along with Morehouse School of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine was selected by the AAMC to partner with Albany State University for this historic initiative to prepare college students for applying to medical school. This exciting AAMC initiative and UConn being one of the few U.S. medical schools selected reflects the national recognition of our longstanding UConn Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative as a national model to increase the number of first generation and underrepresented applications to medical schools,” says Dr. Marja Hurley, UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, professor of Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery and Associate Dean Health Career Opportunity Programs, and Founding Director, Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative at UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine.

At UConn starting this spring the program’s accepted students will have the opportunity to tour the medical school to gain insight and receive a firsthand look at the facilities and resources for clinical experience through exposure.

The students will also engage directly with health care professionals to build connections that can be valuable for mentorship and network opportunities. In the clinical setting, students will work cohesively to delve into advanced medical topics, gaining a deeper understanding of medical practices and the health care system through dialogue and case studies, providing awareness of the diverse clinical settings available to expose patient care, diagnosis, and medical communication skills. Additionally, scholars will be involved in public health research, which will allow students to see the interface between community health issues and health care and equip them with critical analytical skills in relation to health care. In turn, students will learn to be able to explore the tenets of public health and contribute to identifying meaningful solutions.

Applications for the Aspiring Scholars in Undergraduate Pre-Medicine Program are being accepted until the February 2 deadline. Apply today.