117 - Creating Opportunities For Underrepresented In Medicine Students Through A Summer Research Experience

Poster Number: 117
Publication Number: 117.216

Liza O. Sukra, St. George's University School of Medicine, White Plains, NY, United States; Alexandra R. Portugues, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Elisabeth H. Kamano, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Norfolk, VA, United States; Brenna Aredas, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Andrea F. Duncan, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Angela M. Ellison, The Children's Hospital of Philadephia, Moorestown, NJ, United States

Background: There is a need to increase the pipeline of individuals from groups that are underrepresented in medicine (URiM) to careers in Pediatrics. We created a program for URIM students to engage in an 8-week pediatric clinical and research experience during their traditionally unscheduled summer between first and second year of medical school.

Objective: To describe the program design, curriculum development, lessons learned and selected outcomes from the first three cohorts of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Summer Underrepresented Minority Medical Student Research (SUMMR) scholars program.

Design/Methods: A committee of departmental leaders at CHOP convened to develop the program. Applications were solicited through outreach to medical school Deans and leaders of school-based organizations which traditionally serve underrepresented minority students. A central curriculum which highlights various aspects of academic medicine (e.g., research, quality improvement, medical education, health equity, etc.) was developed. Students were assigned a clinical and research mentor to support their scholarly work and expose students to underrepresented faculty. Students received a $3,500 stipend for their participation. The program has continued to run virtually through the pandemic with necessary adjustments.

Results: Between 2018-2021, 179 applications were received, and 64 students participated in the program (in person and virtually). Mean Likert score feedback (1 being strongly agree, 5 being strongly disagree) from all summer cohorts (n=42) reported the program met expectations (1.66), they learned valuable information/skills (1.45), and participation was worth the time spent away from other responsibilities (1.45). Virtual medical simulation and career narrative sessions were added in response to student feedback. Students characterized the summer experience as informative, inspiring, and reported increased understanding of the opportunities and career paths available to them. Finally, students from early cohorts’ report continuing their mentor relationships from SUMMR throughout their medical education.Conclusion(s): Establishment of a summer program for URiM medical students is an effective way to engage students who may not otherwise receive opportunities to participate in research. Additionally, the program exposes students to pediatric career paths as well as connects them with physicians and scientists who look like them. Conversion to virtual summer programming should include increasing the interactive nature of presentations.