The effectiveness of a postbaccalaureate program for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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.
Lipscomb
Wanda D
WD
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
Mavis
Brian
B
Fowler
Letitia V
LV
Green
Wrenetta D
WD
Brooks
Gina L
GL
D000328:Adult; D004500:Education, Graduate; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D035862:Vulnerable Populations