From http://studentorgs.utexas.edu/hcmp/:

        “The Health Careers Mentorship Program offers opportunities to undergraduates at the University of Texas at Austin who are interested in the health care field through their participation in a program modeled after Duke University's Health Careers Internship Program. The major goals of the program focus on service and developing interpersonal - communication skills that may prepare interested students to be a candidate for medical school, other service professions, and as a future physician or healthcare provider of the 21st Century! The program's philosophy centers on the "humanization of health care" rather than promoting pre-professionalism.

        This program offers a student the opportunity to experience the phases of the professional's routine, therefore, gaining insight into a career in medicine. The selected intern may engage in activities such as accompanying his/her mentor on rounds, going to surgery (as appropriate), observing patient visits in a clinic, sitting-in on consultations, group interaction sessions, presentations, keeping a journal of your internship experiences, and other professional activities the mentor or program directors and interns are able to arrange.

        This educational program is designed to allow students to: gain an insight into the practical aspects of the healthcare field, build rapport with health professionals, and learn about the impact of managed care upon physicians and patients. Interns apply their gained knowledge towards making career decisions and acquire leadership experience through administration of the program as future coordinators.”

The Office of Regional Medical Education, led by Dr. Michael Ainsworth, is pleased to provide an annual day of events for the HCMP students at the UTMB campus.  While they are here students learn about the School of Medicine application process (i.e. what makes a well-rounded medical school applicant) and what one may expect as a medical student at our campus.  They have the opportunity to work through a “Problem-based Learning” case, tour the campus and talk with School of Medicine students, meet with Dr. Lieberman, the Associate Dean for Educational Affairs and Dr. Thomas, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions.  They also spend time in the Standardized Patient Center, led by Dr. Karen Szauter, where they have a chance to save Laerdal SimMan’s life and ask questions about the multiple medical training methods available here at UTMB.  All in all, it is a fun day for undergraduate students to get a “taste of” medical school.  We wish them the best of luck with their future endeavors!