P3.O285: Bridging the Gap: The Role of the Pathway to Pediatrics Program in Addressing Disparities in the Medical Workforce

Background: The population of the United States is diversifying rapidly, yet representation in the medical provider workforce does not reflect this trend. This discrepancy underscores the leakage within the ‘pipeline’ to medicine for minority populations and communicates a narrow educational path that begins as early as preschool and continues throughout the course of one’s life. The idea that youth are deciding early to not pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers if they do not have the ‘right profile’ is compounded by institutionalized racism, leading minoritized youth to perceive STEM careers as inaccessible. Alternatively, the ‘pathway’ narrative suggests that there are many routes one can take toward pursuing a medical career. The Pathway to Pediatrics Program was developed to engage local minoritized youth in exploring various pathways to medicine early in their educational journeys.

Project Description: We conducted our advocacy project at the Washington School for Girls, serving predominantly students that are racially under-represented in the physician workforce. Volunteer facilitators from diverse backgrounds led four novel educational modules targeting 6-8th graders, focusing on futuristing thinking, goal setting, health promotion, and exposure to medical professions. The modules were delivered throughout the school’s academic year. An average of 60 students participated in each session. Pre- and post-activity surveys assessed student’s perceptions, aspirations, and potential challenges. By collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, we ensured a comprehensive understanding of their needs and progress.

Discussion: Our team provided structured activities to highlight multiple pathways to STEM-related careers. Prior to any sessions, students selected potential careers from a set list of 38 options. The top three results at that time were: Business Owner, Clothing Designer, and Professional Athlete. After participating in four sessions with our team, the top three results changed to: Nurse, Doctor, Business Owner. This showed a clear increase in medical career interest and perceived achievability. Community engagement, aided by diverse representation in medicine, is essential for addressing the “leaky pipeline”.

Conclusion: Our project aimed to equip under-represented students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue STEM careers and effectively navigate challenges. We offered comprehensive exposure to STEM careers tailored specifically for middle school students. Preliminary data suggests that early exposure to diverse STEM professionals can reshape career aspirations among underserved youth, potentially addressing disparities in the medical workforce. Multi-institutional implementation of similar programs holds promise for effecting broader shifts in the pathway to medicine, fostering greater diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.