title: The effectiveness of a postbaccalaureate program for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examines the long-term effectiveness of an institutional postbaccalaureate program designed to provide an opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter medicine in response to diversity needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 18-year retrospective analysis of the academic outcomes, performance, progress, and specialty choices of postbaccalaureate participants. Comparisons across cohorts were conducted using chi-square tests, t tests, and ANOVA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-four percent (94%) of the postbaccalaureate students successfully completed the program and matriculated into medical school. Sixty-four percent (64%) of the matriculants have graduated from medical school, and 26% are still enrolled. More than 50% of the graduates selected primary care specialty fields.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implementation of the postbaccalaureate program provided a successful strategy to diversify the medical school student body and increase the number of physicians from disadvantaged backgrounds in the medical profession following the mission-driven commitment of the medical school.
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Office of Student Affairs and Services, A234 Life Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. lipscom3@msu.edu
authors.forename: Wanda D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Lipscomb
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mavis
authors.forename: Letitia V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: Wrenetta D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Gina L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Brooks
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004500:Education, Graduate; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D035862:Vulnerable Populations