Promoting Cultural Competence and Osteopathic Medicine Awareness Among Premedical Students Through a Summer Premedical Rural Enrichment Program (PREP)
California Health Sciences University Research Day 2022
LN: Swamy
LN: Kim
LN: Lleando
LN: Nunes
LN: Kadavakollu
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Description
Abstract
<p>Context: Premedical preparatory programs at osteopathic medical schools that recruit students from medically underserved areas (MUAs) may promote interest in practicing osteopathic medicine in underserved areas. In these programs, fostering greater prioritization of cultural competence may decrease healthcare disparities in the future. p> <p>Methods: An eight-week summer PREP was hosted at California Health Sciences University (CHSU-COM) in Clovis, California. 78 participants were recruited from the Central Valley, a MUA of California. Attendees went through an application process and were recommended to have completed medical school prerequisite courses. The curriculum included Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and medical school application preparation, osteopathic education, anatomy, physiology, and cultural competence. Survey data was collected before and after the program using statements that students rated on a Likert scale. p> <p>Results: Of 78 students, 74 completed both surveys. There was a significant increase in agreement to statements evaluating medical school preparedness (P < 0.01), osteopathic familiarity (P < 0.02), and desire to practice in the Central Valley (P < 0.05) due to PREP. In the cultural competence post-survey, 75.0% of responses agreed on the positive effect of the course. Participants’ MCAT scores averaged higher than the national mean and 16 (59.2%) of 27 participants who reported acceptance data matriculated into osteopathic medical schools.p> <p>Conclusion: After completing PREP, participants showed a greater understanding of cultural competence, osteopathic medicine, medical school preparation, and interest in serving MUAs. Similar programs can have a profound impact on MUAs by shaping diverse and culturally competent osteopathic physicians.p>Subjects
Affiliations
- California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine