Pathway to Med School

The Pathway to Med School program, run by Foothills Area Health Education Center with community support, offers a comprehensive 5-week summer residential program for pre-med undergraduate students from Georgia-based institutions. It targets students who intend to pursue medical school and primary care practice within Georgia. The program encompasses over 180 hours of clinical shadowing in primary care settings, community research, and educational workshops. Students gain real-world experience by shadowing primary care professionals for 80 hours and participating in research projects under physician supervision. These projects are rigorously developed and presented at program events and scientific assemblies. Medical school visits allow participants to familiarize themselves with campus culture and application requirements, including mock interviews aimed at enhancing their candidacy. A highlight includes a physician roundtable dinner where practicing doctors discuss healthcare topics and offer mentorship. The program fostering support networks and skill development, intends to address the primary care physician shortage in Georgia’s rural areas while increasing students’ medical school acceptance likelihood.