Fusing the Future for the Next Generation of Physicians

| By: ERIN COULEHAN |

Two local universities are joining forces to train the region’s next generation of physicians through a pathway program that admits outstanding local -- often first-generation college students -- to UTEP’s pre-med undergraduate program and the medical degree program at the TTUHSC El Paso Foster School of Medicine.

MedFuture is a joint initiative that is the first of its kind in West Texas with the goal to create a path to medical education designed to bolster a deeper interest in the medical field while also transforming the career (and life) trajectories of local students and their families.

“UTEP has a very strong pre-med program,” says Heather Wilson, UTEP President. “It makes sense for UTEP and TTUHSC El Paso to work together to help retain the best and brightest future physicians in the region.”

The MedFuture partnership recognizes exceptional high school seniors who have expressed an interest in science and medicine, as well as a strong commitment to serve their community after graduation.

“We’re pleased to partner with UTEP to provide an educational pathway for talented local students who dream of attending medical school and serving patients in their hometown,” says Richard Lange, TTUHSC El Paso President and Dean of the Foster School of Medicine. “MedFuture will address the physician shortage in the region while meeting health care challenges faced by our residents.”

According to the Texas Medical Association, Texas has a ratio of 204.6 patient care physicians per 100,000 people, which is below the national average of 247.5. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the nationwide job growth of physicians and surgeons from 2020 to 2030 is slower than average but that the demand has increased due to the aging and growing population, as well as from health issues caused by the pandemic.

“Our goal is to address our region’s severe physician shortage by educating the next generation of medical professionals, and promoting a medical workforce that reflects our community,” says Gail

Arnold, UTEP’s Assistant Dean of the College of Science and Director of the Medical Professions Institute at UTEP.

As part of MedFuture, students completing undergraduate degrees at UTEP will receive foundational pre-med support and enroll in the university’s summer PREP program to establish a solid foundation for their college careers. For example, students in the program will have access to opportunities that include pre-health advising and mentorship, paid Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) preparation, paid summer research experiences, and healthcare internships at the Foster School of Medicine.

“We’re excited to provide mentorship and professional development opportunities, while exposing them to the field of medicine through scribing and shadowing internships,” says Cynthia Perry, Associate Academic Dean for Admissions at the Foster School of Medicine. “MedFuture will help us grow our own physicians and provide the resources to potentially change their life trajectories.”

MedFuture’s inaugural cohort of students was hand-selected by a joint committee of faculty and staff from UTEP and TTUHSC El Paso, and the students understand the need for an efficient educational pathway for prospective future physicians.

The inaugural cohort consists of five students, four of whom are first-generation college students:

Fernanda Acosta, Clint Early College Academy

Luke Briggs, Cathedral High School

Janelle Navarrette, Northwest Early College High School

Makena Piñon, Texas Online Preparatory School

Max Serrano, Franklin High School

Makena Piñon, from the Texas Online Preparatory School, was born with a heart defect and has undergone multiple operations that include open-heart surgery, which provided a greater understanding of how the cardiac muscle functions. Her interest in practicing medicine became a reality after learning about local efforts to retain students after graduation.

“Not only is El Paso underserved, but it’s underrepresented,” says Piñon. “Being part of this program means I can continue my education here and stay involved in our community.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com