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School of Medicine & Dentistry / Office of Equity and Inclusion / Pathway Programs

 

Pathway Programs

Explore Your Path to Medicine

At the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of healthcare providers, leaders, and researchers. Our Pathway Programs are specially designed to ignite curiosity and inspire learners at every stage of their educational journey. If you have a passion for science and the healthcare professions, our Pathway Programs may be for you!

Your Pathway Towards Opportunity

Embark on an exciting journey of career exploration and summer enrichment programs, meticulously crafted to empower high school, college, and graduate students. These transformative experiences provide invaluable insights into the world of healthcare, medicine, and scientific research. Whether you are looking for a one-day learning experience or a continuum experience, we have something for you.

Join a community dedicated to cultivating an inclusive cohort of physicians, clinicians, and scientists, where your unique background, skills, and perspectives are celebrated. Take the first step towards a rewarding future in healthcare. Through our Pathway Programs you can unlock a world of possibilities at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and beyond.

Sincerely,

The Pathways Programs Team

Dr. Ana Gómez Parga
Associate Director of Pathway Programs

Nadia Mullin
Pathway Programs Project Manager

Continuum Series

Spanning anywhere from 5-weeks to a full year, these immersive, multi-session programs are designed to guide you through a rich and sustained learning experience. Whether you are deepening your understanding of medical science, building long-term mentorship connections, or engaging in comprehensive skill development, all of our Pathway Programs empower you to make your way into a professional future in the health care sciences.

Individuals Operating on Models in the STEP Program

What is it?

The Science and Technology Entry Program is our commitment to nurturing talent and diversity in the healthcare professions. Funded by New York State, STEP provides high school students from underrepresented backgrounds with immersive experiences alongside physicians, researchers, and educators. Through hands-on learning, participants develop crucial skills and gain insights into the dynamic world of medicine. Join the program as we ignite passion, inspire futures, and shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Who is this program for?

  • Applicants must be U. S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • Applicants must be New York State Residents living in Wayne or Monroe County.
  • Applicants must be entering grades 7 through 12.
  • Applicants must have a GPA of 2.8 average or better.
  • Applicants must express interest in science and /or the health professions.
  • Applicants must be members of an Underrepresented Group:
    • African American/Black
    • Hispanic/Latinx
    • American Indian
    • Alaskan Native
    • OR Applicants must be economically disadvantaged (Economic Criteria)

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions, please email pathwayprograms@urmc.rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

The URMC currently leads two STEP Program variations, Academic STEP and Summer STEP.

Applications for Academic STEP are now closed.

Applications for Summer STEP open in April.

Do returning students need to apply?

Yes. If you completed a STEP program and wish to enroll in the following level, you need to complete the full application process in order to be considered for enrollment. Given that this is a grant-funded, competitive program, each application will be evaluated individually and during each cycle.

What is it?

The Meliora Educational Pathway Program (MEPP) is a an after-school science and medicine teaching and mentorship program, led by medical students from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. Our program is supported by NYS STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) and aims to stimulate students' interest in career development opportunities in medicine and the healthcare professions. STEP students have the opportunity to work directly with physicians, surgeons, and medical and graduate students, participate in fun interactive labs, experiments, animal dissections, and learn clinical skills of medicine including how to take someone’s pulse, blood pressure, and more, and end the program with a field trip to the School of Medicine to meet the doctors and learn how to suture like a surgeon! Students are exposed to a variety of academic and professional skill development opportunities to enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking and test-taking skills with an emphasis on active or "hands-on" learning.

Current Student Directors:

  • Alex Schick, MS3
  • Ibrahim Jalal, MS3
  • Daniel Han, MD/PhD

Learn more about the MEPP program and past activities by following our Instagram: @melioraed

Who is this program for?

  • Applicants must be U. S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • Applicants must be New York State Residents living in Wayne or Monroe County.
  • Applicants must be entering grades 7 through 12.
  • Applicants must have a GPA of 2.8 average or better.
  • Applicants must express interest in science and /or the health professions.
  • Applicants must be members of an Underrepresented Group:
    • African American/Black
    • Hispanic/Latinx
    • American Indian
    • Alaskan Native
    • OR Applicants must be economically disadvantaged (Economic Criteria)

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions, please email Alex Schick (Student Director) at alex_schick@urmc.rochester.edu

How and where do I apply?

Apply to the MEPP program here: https://forms.gle/6Z6DmZUh7c1ggNsGA

MEPP runs in the fall and spring semesters. We hope that students will attend both semesters to have longitudinal involvement with the instructors and curriculum.

Applications are open from August until the end of October. If you miss fall enrollment and would like to join, please email Alex Schick at alex_schick@urmc.rochester.edu for special consideration.

Do returning students need to apply?

Yes. If you completed a STEP program and wish to enroll in the following level, you need to complete the full application process in order to be considered for enrollment. 

Individuals in the SURF Program Holding Certificates

What is it?

Our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program is a transformative ten-week experience designed to empower college students for careers in medicine and biomedical sciences. Selected from a national pool, participants engage in focused research, clinical rotations, problem-based learning sessions, and more under the guidance of faculty mentors. Join for a summer of discovery, growth, and innovation as we shape the future of healthcare together.

Who is this program for?

  • Applicants must be U. S. Citizens.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in college.
  • In order to qualify, students should not be graduating college during the summer of participation.

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions, please email ana_gomezparga@urmc.rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

The online application for this program is available in December of each year.

Apply to SURF

What is it?

The Rochester Young Scientists Club (RYSC) is dedicated to inspiring and engaging motivated middle school students with the scientific community at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). RYSC’s focus is to engage fifth and sixth grade students in science experiences that promote science as a profession.  The RYSC sessions are held on Saturdays at the UR Medical Center. Medical students from the University of Rochester School of Medicine mentor scholars actively participating in hands-on science activities. The RYSC program culminates in spring with a longitudinal project where students present to the community their findings of a study from a scientific question they have researched.

Who is this program for?

  • Applicants must be U. S. Citizens.
  • Applicants must be 5th and 6th graders.
  • Applicants must be able to commit to meeting at least once a month.
  • The program starts in October and ends in April.


Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions please email Nashae_Prout@URMC.Rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

For questions please email Nashae_Prout@URMC.Rochester.edu.

One-Day Series

Step into a world of inspiration and opportunity with our one-day pathway series! These annual events are packed with powerful sessions, hands-on experiences, and unforgettable moments designed to leave you feeling energized and informed. In just one day, you’ll be able to connect with mentors and leading professionals, and you will be able to engage in dynamic workshops that will help you explore different fields – all in one experience crafted to ignite your passion and spark new professional possibilities.

The American Heart Association and Pathway Programs partner up at "STEM Goes Red" for a unique one-day event designed to ignite, inspire, and empower high school girls, particularly in grades 9th through 12th to pursue their passion in science.

This event aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering diversity in STEM fields, bridging the gender gap, and providing young women with direct exposure to career pathways that can transform their futures.

The program will include:
  • Keynote Speaker: An expert in a scientific field that will share her journey in medicine, emphasizing the importance of women in healthcare.
  • Mentorship Network: Ten experienced professionals, from diverse stages in their professional lives, who specialize in engineering, medicine, and nursing, will be providing tailored mentorship to selected participants.
  • CPR Training: Certified instructors will equip students with essential life-saving skills.
  • 3D Simulations: A cutting-edge, technologically advanced experience will be provided to students so they can engage with simulation procedures.

Breakfast and Lunch provided. The program will be free for all selected participants.

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Gómez Parga at ana_gomezparga@urmc.rochester.edu

Nth Dimensions if one of the most successful pathway programs in the country for women and minorities seeking competitive specialties. Sponsored by medical industry partners and related industry stakeholders, its mission is to eliminate healthcare disparities in all communities by diversifying the physician workforce.

Every year, Nth Dimensions and the URMC/Pathways join forces to accomplish that mission. Together we conduct an informative event that provide resources, expertise, mentorship, and hands-on experiences for women and underrepresented minorities in Rochester.

For more information, visit: https://www.nthdimensions.org