For a quarter of a century, the Penn State College of Medicine has opened its doors to aspiring medical professionals through the Primary Care Scholars Program. This year, nearly 50 ambitious pre-med students from 19 universities participated in this selective two-week program, held from May 21 to June 1, gaining invaluable insights into medical school and the rewarding field of primary care. The Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program is not just an introductory course; it’s a proven pathway, with many alumni choosing to attend the College of Medicine and even returning as faculty.
This immersive program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of medical education and primary care specialties. Participants in the Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program engage directly with current medical students and experienced primary care physicians across various practice environments. A key component of the program is demystifying the medical school application process and providing an introduction to the rigorous yet enriching medical curriculum at Penn State.
[Placeholder for image of Penn State College of Medicine building or program participants. Alt text: Penn State College of Medicine Primary Care Scholars Program participants engaging in a learning session.]
Past participants enthusiastically endorse the program’s impact. Kayla McCandless, an Allegheny College graduate, affirmed, “The Primary Care Scholars Program was immensely helpful in my decision to go to medical school,” highlighting its role in solidifying her career path. Niki Price from Penn State University Park described it as “a life-changing experience,” underscoring the profound personal and professional growth offered by the program.
The program’s curriculum is thoughtfully structured. During four intensive days on the Hershey campus, scholars delve into crucial topics such as medical school admissions strategies and the unique Family Medicine Accelerated Program offered by the College of Medicine. Interactive learning is emphasized through problem-based learning case discussions. Furthermore, the Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program provides a foundational understanding of primary care philosophy and practice, encompassing family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. To offer a realistic glimpse into student life, a panel of current College of Medicine students shares their experiences and answers questions.
A distinctive feature of the program is the week-long clinical shadowing experience. Each scholar is paired with a practicing family physician, general pediatrician, or general internist, allowing for firsthand observation and learning in real-world clinical settings. To maximize convenience and relevance, students can opt to complete their clinical experience near their college, home, or at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Dr. Dennis Gingrich, a professor at the Department of Family and Community Medicine and Humanities, emphasizes the program’s strategic importance in addressing a critical healthcare need. “The Primary Care Scholars program is an effort to attract more students into fields of primary care, as there continues to be a shortage of primary care physicians in the U.S.,” he explained. He further noted the vital role of primary care physicians in providing “continuity and cost-effective, coordinated care for patients from cradle to grave.”
The Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program is expertly coordinated by a dedicated team: Dr. Gingrich, Dr. Andrew Lutzkanin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine; Dr. Lisa Sherwood, Internist at Hershey Medical Center; and Dr. Kathryn Crowell, Pediatrician at Hershey Medical Center, with essential administrative support from Diane Ferron of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. This program represents a significant investment in the future of primary care and offers an unparalleled opportunity for pre-medical students to explore this vital medical field at Penn State.
