INTENTIONAL EMPOWERMENT
works together to meet the overall goals and outcomes of the broader university . Although each strategy is essential , we will highlight some of our successes in retention and recruitment , education and training , and research and scholarship . These services are available to all students .
Retention and Recruitment
The development and support of talented individuals are fundamental to the success of our university and the community at large . Our office approaches recruitment and retention strategies in partnership , focusing on developing programs that address the following questions : Why would an applicant come to our university ? What makes applicants interested in our university ? And how / why would they stay or leave our university ? Our approach is based on a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of each individual , and we work closely with each person to provide tailored support and opportunities for success . This approach allows us to offer a range of services that guide undergraduates looking to start their careers while supporting experienced professionals in their ongoing development . Often , our programmatic initiatives allow the staff of our office to support the students from the time they enter their first year of undergraduate education through student advising and coaching up to entering the workforce through our programs such as the Health and Social Justice Scholars or Health Equity and Medical Justice Distinction Track .
Exemplar Programs
Summer Health Professions Education Program
The summer of 2024 will mark the 19th year of the Summer Health Professions Education Program ( SHPEP ) at the University of Louisville . SHPEP is a free six-week summer enrichment hybrid program sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ( RWJF ) for first- and second-year college students interested in dentistry , medicine , nursing or pharmacy . Ultimately , the program aims to strengthen students ’ academic proficiency and career development and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professional schools . SHPEP at UofL introduces scholars to team-based learning to integrate and apply the basic and social sciences on two major themes : diabetes and cardiovascular disease . At the program ’ s core is a focus on public health and interprofessionalism to encourage better health outcomes . To date , over 1,300 scholars have completed the UofL SHPEP program .
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program
The Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program is tailored for individuals who have already earned their bachelor ’ s degree but wish to become a physician . However , they may not have completed the pre-med coursework and medical school preparation . Our program spans over two years and offers personalized advising to ensure that students complete the necessary coursework to prepare for the MCAT and medical school . In addition , the program offers extracurricular activities such as shadowing experiences , group service projects , mentoring , guest lectures and panel discussions , team building , and personal and professional development . To date , 119 students have matriculated into medical school , and 76 have completed medical school and been matched into a residency program .
Education and Community Outreach
The office offers education and curricula services focusing on skill development for faculty , staff and students that enhance critical thinking , cultural humility , health and community communication , team building through interprofessionalism , self-efficacy and bridging didactic information to real-world application . Over time , the services of the office have expanded to meet the growing needs of the campus community ; however , staple programs continue to make a positive impact . We have found that our education and training initiatives serve as a critical foundation for supporting the tenets of recruitment and retention , as well as leadership support and development . The programs highlighted are not an exhaustive list but have been critical to the development and expansion of the office .
Exemplar Educational and Community Outreach Initiatives
Compassion Clinic
Compassion Clinic is a student-run initiative that occurs in communities in Louisville . Its educational missions include opportunities for Health Science Center students , residents , fellows , staff and faculty to provide screening services and to foster a collaborative interdisciplinary medical experience amongst the schools of Dentistry , Medicine , Nursing and Public Health & Information Science , as well as the University of Louisville Hospital pharmacy outpatient clinic . The Compassion Clinic offers basic health screenings and education and raises awareness of patient care challenges . The goal is to create a positive , welcoming medical community presence , connect patients to medical homes and offer communities individualized medical screening and educational opportunities .
African American History Film Series ( AAHFS )
The AAHFS is in its sixth year . It is a collaborative effort between the HSC Office of Diversity and Inclusion , the Louisville Free Public Library and Metro Louisville ’ s “ Lean into Louisville .” The objective of AAHFS is to provide a safe and informal environment for academics , community leaders and members of the public to exchange ideas and information . The series achieves this goal by examining current events and Black history through film .
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