The UT Health Science Center College of Medicine’s Office of Admissions hosted the third-annual Learning and Engagement for Aspiring Physicians (LEAP) program in collaboration with Memphis-Shelby County Schools. LEAP aims to introduce underrepresented students from across Memphis who aspire to become physicians to the field of medicine.
This year’s program partnered with the district’s College Career and Technical Education program, which is designed to equip students with real-world skills, education, and experiences. The partnership allowed the Office of Admissions to visit various Memphis-Shelby County Schools to promote the LEAP program, ultimately leading to its largest group of 43 students from 17 schools.
The event held at UT Health Science Center’s Memphis campus featured a day filled with informative panels led by medical students and physicians. These sessions provided valuable insight into the medical profession, addressing various aspects of becoming a physician. Students had the opportunity to interact with medical professionals, ask questions, and better understand the path ahead.
“The LEAP program is a vital initiative that aims to inspire and empower underrepresented students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine,” said Dustin Fulton, EdD, assistant dean of Admissions for the college. “By providing them with firsthand experiences and access to our resources, we hope to foster their passion for health care and support their journey toward becoming future physicians.”
Among the highlights of the LEAP program were two informative panels featuring medical students, residents, and faculty members from diverse backgrounds. These panels offered valuable insights into different specialties, medical school experiences, and the application process.
The morning panel, “Perspectives of Practicing Medicine in the Memphis Community,” featured several esteemed Memphis physicians and offered a glimpse into the diverse experiences of practicing medicine across various disciplines, shedding light on the challenges and rewards in the Memphis community. The speakers included:
- Alex Feliz, MD
- Jessica Ruffin, MD
- Stan Thompson, MD
- Keadrea Wilson, MD
- Crystal Pourciau, MD (moderator)
The second panel, “Medical School Admissions: How can I prepare for medical school?,” was a comprehensive session designed to equip attendees with the information to develop a solid plan for applying to medical school and featured the following:
- Desiree Burroughs-Ray, MD
- Jonathan Finder, MD
- Dustin Fulton, EdD (moderator)
- Lauren King, MD
- Khadijat Perkins (student member)
The LEAP program also incorporated simulation activities that provided attendees with practical, hands-on experiences. These simulation experiences included a tour of the Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation on the Memphis campus, an airway course, an ultrasound lab, and a CPR course. Led by UT Health Science Center medical residents, it allowed students to immerse themselves in realistic medical scenarios, providing them with practical experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of the medical profession.
Interim Executive Dean of the College of Medicine G. Nicholas Verne, MD, highlighted the importance of establishing new pathways to medicine. “As medicine evolves, outreach becomes increasingly important to diversify our classes of medical students,” he said. “Programs like LEAP play a vital role in inspiring and empowering underrepresented students to pursue careers in medicine.”
The success of the third-annual LEAP program underscores the College of Medicine’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in health care education. By providing underrepresented students with access to mentors, resources, and hands-on experiences, the program aims to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of health care professionals. By investing in local talent and nurturing a diverse pipeline of future physicians, the College of Medicine is advancing UT Health Science Center’s vision of Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.