Evaluating a Health Care Pathway Internship Program for Minority High School Students

Abstract

Background In 2005, Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) collaborated with community partners to establish the Minority Medical Mentoring Program (MMMP), a semester-long health care pathway internship for high school seniors of color. This evaluation aimed to assess program participants’ perceptions of program components, identify areas for improvement, and broaden the evidence base of pathway programs. Methods Seventy-three MMMP alumni were invited to participate in an online survey. Closed- and open-ended questions aimed to assess respondents’ perceptions of program components and MMMP’s impact on their personal and professional lives. Results Forty-six alumni responded to the survey. The MMMP was perceived as universally valuable. Clinical shadowing, mentors of color, and exposure to a variety of health professionals were viewed as the most valuable program components. The MMMP strengthened participants’ awareness of health disciplines, improved their self-confidence, and increased their professional skill sets. Surprisingly, the MMMP enabled some participants to recognize health career interests outside of clinical care. Limitations Selection, social desirability, and recall bias may limit interpretation of findings. Conclusion The MMMP is highly valued by participants. A high majority of respondents (40/46; 87%) plan to have a health career in the future. Pathway programs can shape career paths, increase self-awareness, and build self-confidence for success. It is important to note that systemic racism and discrimination must be addressed to fully ensure recruitment and retention of health care providers of color.