Mission

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a FREE summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools. These students include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Native American or Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino, and who are from communities of socioeconomic and educational disadvantage.

 

Program

The University of Iowa Health Sciences Colleges are pleased to offer an enriching six week experience with SHPEP. The Health Sciences Colleges include the Carver College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy, and College of Public Health. We strongly believe in the value of exposing students from underrepresented backgrounds to the possibility of pursuing health fields and supporting their goals in accomplishing that dream to help improve the health of society at large.

Through in depth experiences with one of the colleges listed above, scholars in our program will learn about the variety of opportunities available in the healthcare field and help them decide which career they are interested in pursuing. Additionally, the students will have opportunities to improve study skills, understand and learn how to improve health disparities, and enhance networking skills. Each scholar will have the opportunity to take one basic science course including Anatomy/Physiology, Physics and Organic Chemistry to help expose and prepare for future enrollment in these courses. Scholars will also learn how to best work in healthcare teams with our Interprofessional curriculum.

Clinical Experience: The scholars will have opportunities to shadow healthcare providers at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as well as other local settings. Providers will include physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and those who work in public health. There will be opportunities to work in an underserved health clinic with the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic. 

 

Finances 

Stipend: Each student will receive a $600 food allowance and $600 stipend totaling $1200

Important Dates

Application Opens: November 1st, 2021

Application Closes: February 5th, 2022

Decisions Released: March 15th, 2022

Tentative Program Start Date: June 5th, 2022

Tentative Program End Date: July 16th, 2022