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Dreams become reality through University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix ‘Pathway’ to medical school hopefuls

Pathway Scholars Program accepting applications until December 1st  for 2017/2018 academic year

 

PHOENIX, AZ (November 14, 2016) For many Arizonan’s, attending medical school is a dream that may seem unattainable for many reasons. Some financial, some because of other obstacles in their lives. The University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix is changing that equation with their Pathway Scholars Program (PSP), specifically in the rural areas of Arizona.

 

The PSP is for Arizona residents who desire to pursue a career in medicine but have experienced unique or greater than average challenges in preparing to become competitive medical school applicants. The program incorporates academic support, clinical experience, leadership development and coursework designed to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in the College of Medicine – Phoenix curriculum. Upon successful completion of the PSP, and if set milestones are met, students earn acceptance to the College of Medicine – Phoenix as a first-year medical student.

 

Recent Pathway Scholar Lorna Rapaich, a member of the Navajo Nation and U.S. Army veteran commented saying “when you’re faced with one obstacle after another, and with all odds against you, it’s hard to believe that you will ever reach your goals. And then you hear about a program like this and you start to believe your dreams could actually become a reality. My mom grew up on the reservation and always wanted her kids to have a better education than what she had and I don’t think she would’ve ever imagined I would get this type of opportunity.”

 

Now in its third year, thanks to generous funding from the APS Foundation, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, and the Arizona Community Foundation, 10 students are accepted into the program each year and the cost of the program is offset by these donors. The current class has students representing Coconino, Santa Cruz, Apache and Maricopa counties. Top consideration is given to applicants who are socioeconomically disadvantaged; first generation college attendees; from rural Arizona communities; members of Federally recognized American Indian Tribes and committed to serving the under-served and diverse populations of Arizona.

 

“What the University of Arizona Pathway Scholars program does to provide these diverse students with a direct roadmap to get into medical school is inspiring. Like Lorna, each one of these students has their own story of perseverance and the APS Foundation is overjoyed to be a part of this life changing program,” said Tina Marie Tentori, Executive Director of the APS Foundation.

 

Applications are now being accepted and the deadline for the submission is December 1st. For more information on the Pathway Scholars Program and how to submit your application, please visit https://phoenixmed.arizona.edu/pathway.

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