Mizzou MedPrep: Diversifying the Playing FieldUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine (Mizzou Med)

Andrea Simmons, MA; Robin Clay, M. Ed.; Rachel Brown, MD; Alison Martin, M. Ed.; Peter Wilden, PhD

MedPrep I and IIOver the past five years, the MedPrep I and II programs have served over 300 undergraduate juniors and

seniors, medical school re-applicants, and our value-added groups.

Data from 2011-2015 demonstrates that out of the 23 current medical school students who have participated

in one or more MedPrep programs 18 are from value-added groups. 17 identified as non-traditional, 6 as

SES disadvantaged, and 3 as rural. Some students identified in multiple value-added groups.

Although, URM participation in MedPrep is steady from year to year with over 40 participants in 5 years, a

goal for the program is to increase the number of highly competitive URM medical school applicants.

Program Overview:The Mizzou MedPrep program, established in 2011, is

designed to assist individuals in exploring health-care

careers and assist those interested in applying to

medical school with the application process. The

workshops are developed for our value added groups

which include: underrepresented in medicine (URM),

socio-economically (SES) disadvantaged, those from

rural areas, and non-traditional students.

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2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

SES Disadvantage Rural URM Non-Traditional

Pre-Med Matriculates Value Added Groups

SES Disadvantage

Rural

URM

Non-Traditional

Findings:• Program has assisted 23 students in obtaining

admission to Mizzou Med.

• Of the matriculates 83% were admitted within two

years of participating in MedPrep.

• Nine matriculates attended two or more of the

MedPrep workshops.

• URM MedPrep participants have not applied to

Mizzou Med (only one applied and withdrew after

acceptance).

Diversified playing field:• Non-traditional students add value to the learning

environment by previous careers, varying degrees,

and life experiences.

• Through surveys and interviews, participants

improved and strengthen their application by

additional experience, enhanced personal statement

and interview practice.

• Current matriculates have provided positive feedback

related to their application.

Future Plans:• Explore varying means to increase the rate of

application and matriculation of URMs.

• Medical Explorations – High school juniors

and seniors explore various health-care professions.

• MedPrep I – Participants gain insight into what

makes a well-rounded and competitive applicant

through various sessions. The workshop includes

individualized one-on-one advising with a

faculty/staff member.

• MedPrep II – Participants gain insight into the

AMCAS application process, personal statement

review, explore the importance of strong letters of

recommendation and participate in individual

simulated interviews.

• MedPrep III – Participants are newly admitted

Mizzou medical students. The online workshop is

composed of three primers designed to provide

exposure and or review in the areas of biochemistry,

cell physiology and pharmacology.

“If I didn’t

have Mizzou

MedPrep, I

would have

given up on my

dream to be a

medical

doctor.”

J.P., M4

“MedPrep

encouraged me to

apply because I

saw people in a

similar situation,

and I wasn’t the

only non-

traditional

student.” S.L., M4