Tori Johnson, a pre-PA student from Mississippi State University, praised the Pre-Health Scholars Program (PSP) at UT Health Science Center for its impact on her career goals.
“The hands-on experiences, insightful panels, and supportive community have solidified my passion for health care and prepared me for the future. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” Johnson said.
The 2024 PSP ran from June 10 to July 19. This six-week program, organized by the Office of Student Success, aims to introduce underrepresented students to health care careers. The program has been offered under various names since the 1970s.
Students from different universities participate in PSP, gaining practical experience in clinical, classroom, and service-learning environments at UT Health Science Center. Those who complete two summers of the program receive test preparation for GRE, MCAT, DAT, or PACAT exams. The program also includes seminars, clinical simulations, university resources, a capstone project, and clinical shadowing.
Many PSP participants eventually join UT Health Science Center. Nicholas Dikhtyar, a first-generation medical student in the College of Medicine class of 2027, benefited from the program. “The Pre-Health Scholars Program made my transition to medical school easier. I was already familiar with the campus and its resources. They guided me through the application process, provided MCAT prep materials, and conducted mock interviews,” Dikhtyar said.
The PSP aims to broaden students’ career perspectives. Curea Cunningham, a 2024 PSP participant, highlighted this aspect. “We learned about professions from the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions. I didn’t realize many of these programs lead to doctorate degrees,” Cunningham said. “The advisers were exceptional. I feel the faculty and staff are deeply invested in my success. PSP has made UT Health Science Center my top choice for medical school.”
Takisha Mack, a student affairs specialist for Health Careers Programs at UT Health Science Center, leads the PSP. Since starting in 2022, Mack has been instrumental in recruiting and planning the program with her colleagues.
“These students are often underrepresented, and the support they receive helps them achieve their dreams,” Mack said. “They benefit from a network and support system that includes shadowing opportunities, networking with deans, participating in simulations and workshops, and interacting with various colleges. They see UT Health Science Center from a unique perspective.”
Aaliyah Flake, a student in the College of Medicine Class of 2028, shared her PSP experience. “Before starting PSP, Ms. Takisha Mack and Mrs. Jennesa Moore showed they cared deeply about my future. Their guidance was crucial to my journey to medical school. I gained valuable physician shadowing hours, which seemed out of reach as a first-generation college student. PSP was key in my decision to choose the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine,” Flake said.
