KU program helps prepare brightest minority, rural students for med school

David Alcindor started out studying architecture at KU. But a stint volunteering in Haiti with an international medical team taking care of children with AIDS changed his life.

By the time he returned to KU, he had decided to become a doctor instead. But he had no idea where to begin. Luckily, he discovered the Health Careers Pathways Program, a unique regimen that helps students from minority and rural backgrounds prepare for the challenges of getting accepted into medical school.

Alcindor received intensive training and guidance that helped him prepare for medical school. He currently is in residency at the KU School of Medicine.

KU launched Health Career Pathways in 1986, offering instruction for high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and entering medical students. There are more than 100 students from across the nation, including 65 college students, currently enrolled.

The highly competitive regimen has successfully placed more than 90 percent of its students in medical schools across the country. Several participants have gone on to serve as physicians in inner cities and remote rural communities.

Amber Reagan-Kendrick, associate director for the program at both the KU Lawrence campus and the KU Medical Center, said the importance of attracting the brightest minority students into the medical profession is more important than ever.

"There is this issue of minorities being afraid to seek medical care because there is a mistrust," she said. "But if you have a doctor that looks like you, maybe you'll go in and seek the medical care."
The program also strives to attract students from rural backgrounds, where there also is a shortage of physicians.

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