WED-038 - From Deserts to Doctors: Empowering San Joaquin Valley Youth Through a Medical Education Apprentice Fellowship

Brief Abstract Summary: California’s Central San Joaquin Valley lies in a healthcare desert. In addition to shortages of healthcare professionals, the historically underrepresented youth of this valley face significant health and socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and educational inequities. Those youth aspiring to enter the medical field not only lack access to essential hands-on experiences, they also face cultural challenges such as imposter syndrome and a lack of STEM identity. To address this, we launched the KidzMedEd Medical Education Apprentice Fellowship to empower local youth, enhance their STEM identity, and inspire interest in healthcare careers through mentorship, health/medical education, and the use of educational technology. Starting as a 7-week program in 2020, it has grown to a year-long program where students collaborate to create animated health education videos and build professional skills with case studies, physician-led talks, and skills lessons.

Detailed abstract description: Despite the increasing diversity in the U.S. population, individuals from low socioeconomic communities and various racial and ethnic minority backgrounds remain underrepresented in the medical profession. This disparity stems from inequalities in educational opportunities and a lack of STEM identity among these communities. Research shows that STEM identity can develop as early as middle school, making it essential to engage students at a young age. Given pediatricians’ close relationships with K-12 school systems, there is a unique opportunity to partner with educators to create innovative medical learning experiences that enhance STEM identity in disadvantaged minority youth.
The Kidz MedEd initiative addresses these challenges by fostering collaboration between aspiring health professionals and educators. Students interested in health careers can partner with healthcare professionals to utilize educational technology in developing accessible and engaging medical education tools, such as infographics and animated videos. These resources enhance understanding of health topics among youth and their families and empower students to advocate for medical issues that resonate with them.
Kidz MedEd began as a pipeline initiative where youth participants created animated medical education videos and infographics tailored to young audiences. The program has since evolved into a year-long Medical Education Apprentice Fellowship, incorporating a wider range of learning experiences. Using Zoom technology, we ensured that students from remote areas could participate and benefit from our mentorship model.
The fellowship includes not only the creation of educational videos but also mini-medical school case presentations and workshops focused on essential clinical skills and networking opportunities. These activities are aligned with the AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students, ensuring that students gain necessary skills for success in the medical field.
By empowering youth through mentorship and collaborative learning, the Kidz MedEd Medical Education Apprentice Fellowship aims to address local provider shortages and inspire students to pursue careers in healthcare, thus nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders and contributing to a more equitable healthcare landscape. By equipping students with valuable skills and knowledge, we are shaping a brighter future for them and the communities they will ultimately serve.
Through this interactive presentation, attendees will engage in discussions and activities designed to explore effective strategies for fostering STEM identity in underrepresented youth, utilizing technology, and building mentorship programs. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights to create meaningful educational experiences that empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. Join us in this deep dive to learn how we can collectively work toward a more diverse and equitable healthcare future.