title: The pipeline training program in maternal and child health: interdisciplinary preparation of undergraduate students from underrepresented groups.
abstract: The Preparing Academically Successful Students in Maternal and Child Health (MCH PASS) training program provided financial support and specialized training to occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in maternal and child health. The project assisted undergraduate trainees to matriculate into graduate programs in their respective fields and facilitated application into long-term maternal and child health training programs. Sixteen trainees (8 OT and 8 SLP) participated in an undergraduate training program with an emphasis on interdisciplinary teaming, family mentoring, leadership development, public health and population-based research. Instruction occurred in community and classroom settings through didactic instruction and small group discussions. Fifteen of the trainees applied to and were accepted in graduate programs in their respective fields. Two trainees applied to a long-term MCH training program. Students reported increased knowledge about programs that serve women and children, the effects of poverty on health, interdisciplinary teaming and the daily routines of families who have a child with a special health care need. The MCH PASS program provided a unique opportunity for undergraduate students in OT and SLP to learn about public health with an emphasis on maternal and child health. The specialized preparation enabled students to understand better the health concerns of underserved families whose children have special health care needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 East Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60608, USA. krisb@uic.edu
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pizur-Barnekow
authors.forename: Paula M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Rhyner
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lund
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000193:education / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004519:Education, Special; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000193:education; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000193:education*; D014146:Training Support; D014922:Wisconsin