Purpose: Certain groups remain underrepresented in medicine and healthcare fields often due to lack of resources and economical and educational disparities. The Creighton Mini Medical School (MMS) Program, a student-led program, provides resources and knowledge about higher education to students and families.
Background: MMS invites 4th-12th first-generation, underrepresented, rural, and Native American students and allies in diversity and inclusion to foster excitement around medicine, instill confidence and motivate students, advance diversity and inclusion in medicine, and facilitate a sense of belonging.
Methods: Students (Nf62) and parents (Nf60) voluntarily completed an IRB approved pre and post event survey assessing participant demographic factors and the effectiveness of the program. The surveys were coded, anonymous and confidential. Statistical analysis was completed utilizing SPSS.
Results: MMS was associated with an improvement of students’ understanding of: the medical school process (t(58)=4.38, p< 0.001), careers in medicine (t(57)=3.541, p < 0.001), college admission process (t(53)=2.139, p =0.037), and what makes them a competitive applicant for graduate school (t(52)=2.647, p =0.011). MMS was associated with an improvement of parents’ understanding of: careers in medicine (t(38)=2.08, p =0.04), preparation for college entrance exams (t(37)=2.86, p =0.03), resources available to help their child study for standardized exams (t(37)=3.62, p < .001), and feelings of self-efficacy to help their child succeed in medical school (t(36)=3.98, p < .001).
Discussions: Providing a community network, elevating needs, and supporting vulnerable populations, MMS engages underserved communities, inspires young learners, and empowers future generations of medical professionals.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2023, Student, Resident, Faculty, Osteopathic Faculty, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Professionalism, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, UME, Quality & Safety, Advocacy,
Julia Griffin, BS; Creighton University School of Medicine; Harshaan Dhaliwal, BS, MS; Ronn Johnson, Ph.D., ABPP;
