By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – AUG. 7, 2024 – For many interested in pursuing a degree in medicine, the complicated, time-consuming application process can sometimes hinder or even terminate their dreams. 

But students like Kevin Alexis Navarrette has found help through a pipeline program offered at the UTRGV School of Medicine called JAMP (Joint Admission Medical Program), which aims to support and guide students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their journey to becoming medical professionals.

"I always knew I wanted to be involved in medicine, but the path to achieving that goal was never really clear," said Navarrette, a 2024 JAMP cohort student and native of Lubbock.

Another pipeline program like JAMP, called Vaqueros MD, also is offered by the UTRGV School of Medicine to attract and retain talent in Texas.

• Vaqueros MD offers South Texas high school students beginning their undergraduate studies an opportunity to join the UTRGV School of Medicine upon graduation.
• JAMP, created by the Texas Legislature, offers underserved undergraduate students from across the state early admission to participating medical schools in Texas.

Together, these innovative programs remove a significant barrier underserved students face to help them begin their medical careers.

EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES

There are countless students like Navarrette, who share the dream of one day walking across the stage to accept their medical degree and serve their communities as a doctor of medicine.

Navarrette understands first-hand the challenges faced by students growing up in underprivileged areas, where a medical career can often feel out of reach due to limited access to resources and a lack of mentorship.

Guillermo Canedo, program manager for JAMP at the UTRGV School of Medicine, said both pipeline programs provide expanded opportunities.

"These are bright students who, despite various challenges, have the potential to excel in the medical field," Canedo said. "We have 35 students participating in our summer session – 21 from JAMP and 14 from Vaqueros MD. We aim to equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in medical school."

The UTRGV School of Medicine conducts a Pipeline Program Summer Session during the month of June for incoming students. 

During the four weeks of the session, students get to participate in interviews with UT Health RGV physicians, MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) preparation lectures, and receive advice from current UTRGV School of Medicine student leaders.

It's an opportunity for which students like Juan Pablo Hernandez, a McAllen native and member of the 2024 Vaquero MD cohort, are especially grateful.

"The UTRGV School of Medicine provides many opportunities, and they take great care of their students," Hernandez said. "The school's strong connection to the Valley is significant to me.

“Our bilingual culture and high prevalence of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are issues it understands and addresses effectively. The fact that the UTRGV School of Medicine is tailored to our region is something that I find special," he said. 

GOLDEN TICKET

Every year, the UTRGV School of Medicine receives more than 7,000 applications from aspiring medical students worldwide, making the selection process highly competitive. However, after successfully completing program and admission requirements, students in the pipeline programs can qualify for admission into medical school.

Dr. Michael Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president of UT Health RGV, emphasized the importance of these programs in addressing the state’s physician shortage. 

"The pipeline programs are crucial in ensuring talented students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine," Hocker said. "You can get a golden ticket into medical school if you demonstrate the dedication and potential we seek and meet all admissions criteria once you complete the program. Our goal is to cultivate a new generation of doctors prepared to meet our communities' healthcare needs."

CONNECTION TO THE COMMUNITY

Dailyn Velez, a native of El Paso and a 2024 JAMP cohort student, said the connection to the community initially drew her to the program. 

"Growing up in an underserved area, I saw firsthand the impact that a shortage of healthcare providers can have on a community," Velez said. "Being part of JAMP not only brings me closer to my dream of becoming a doctor, but also allows me to give back and improve healthcare access in communities like mine."

For students in the Valley like Julianna Laddidad, a Brownsville native and member of the 2024 Vaqueros MD cohort, access to resources and mentorship through the pipeline programs is vital in overcoming the barriers to a medical career.

"When I first learned about the UTRGV School of Medicine opening in 2016, I was amazed that a medical school would be right here in the Valley. Getting a medical education so close to home is a dream come true," Laddidad said. "It's not just about getting into medical school. It's about being prepared to succeed and to serve my community effectively as a future physician."

For more information on the UTRGV School of Medicine’s early assurance programs, visit Vaqueros MD and the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP).