URiM Pathway to Pediatrics (UPP)
The URiM Pathway to Pediatrics (UPP) is a one-day program designed for undergraduate students from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds* who are considering careers in medicine, though students of any background are eligible to participate.
The program aims to provide undergraduates with exposure to careers in pediatrics through varied hands-on activities, small group discussions, and interactions with medical students and pediatric faculty.
The UPP program might be for you if you are:
- Considering a career in medicine with an interest in pediatrics.
- Interested in learning more about careers in medicine and pediatrics through hands-on activities
- Looking for opportunities to explore diversity in medicine
- Interested in engaging with clinicians, medical students, and other undergraduate students
The day’s activities will include:
- Learning to think like a physician while collaborating to solve a clinical case
- Exploring the role of pediatricians in advocating for systemic changes at local, state, and national levels and brainstorming how to approach specific child health issues
- Lunch with medical students
- Clinical Simulation Lab experiences and procedures
- Dinner and a mixer at the end of the day to network with students and faculty
The UPP program received positive feedback from participants after its first year and is anticipated to recur yearly in the spring. Many attendees have gone on to apply for the PATH program to deepen their exploration of pediatrics.
UVM Larner Med Blog: Pre-Med Science Classes Pushed Me Away from Being a Doctor; the Art and Humanism of Medicine Brought Me Back by Kiana Heredia
2022: "The URiM Pathway to Pediatrics Program Clarifies Journey for Pre-Med Students"
2023: "Pre-Medical Students Gain Confidence at Pathway to Pediatrics Event"
* Underrepresented and underserved in medicine includes those groups that are statistically underrepresented in medicine based on their numbers in the U.S. population and encompasses students who fall into an of the following categories:
- From racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine, including Latino/a, Hispanic, Black, African American, Alaska/Hawaii Native, and Native American
- From economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- In the first generation of those in their family to attend college
- Identify as having (a) disability(ies)
- Vermont residents from rural areas
- LGBTQ