Office of Diversity Affairs
How Do We Support Your Goals?

A day in the life of the Office of Diversity Affairs might involve anything from helping a student deal with a family emergency to celebrating a birthday. We strike a balance between the professional and personal—equipped to solve tough problems and yet familiar enough to call home.

We participate in admissions committee meetings, act as your voice in the Retention Committee meetings and in promotion issues, and ensure that all facts are available to decision-makers.

We recognize that the needs of diverse and non-traditional students are both similar to those of any medical student and just as often different. In every case, we give students encouragement and reliable information as a means of self-empowerment.

Whatever the situation, we offer students a clear voice and a willing ear.

 

 

Prematriculation Program (Summer Prior to Year 1)
Each summer, admitted diverse and non-traditional medical students are invited to participate in a Prematriculation Program, a five-week program designed to provide entering students with an opportunity to become comfortable with the School of Medicine’s academic and social environments, and to form a peer support network.

A second year medical student serves as coordinator, providing academic and social support. Students tour the city, find housing, and meet school deans and administrators. The program lays a foundation for future academic success by offering an introduction to first year medical school courses and formal learning skills training in memorization, test-taking strategies and problem solving.

Academic Support/Counseling
A primary focus is helping students reach their goals. We’ve learned that all medical students—and especially diverse students—thrive best with routine and active involvement in a larger community. We start the community building process early—well before high school for some students—and continue long after you’ve moved on to your residency.

We provide a direct link to the services—academic and nonacademic—offered by the Office of Student Affairs and the Academic Development Office and available to all students.

These services include individual counseling sessions conducted by academic counselors and peer tutoring.

Peer Tutorial Services
The Student Academic Resources Consortium (SARC) team, comprised of second-year medical students, helps first-year students adjust to the rigors of medical school. Services include:

• tutorial services provided in basic science courses to first- and second-year students
• academic resources such as class notes, previous exams, and course study guides
• review books for the USMLE Part I and II
• life skills and study skills workshops conducted throughout the year

The Tutorial Services Program is staffed by second and third-year students who’ve “been there,” know what it takes and who are committed to helping students succeed.

Professional Networking
We support a large and active chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). Each year, the SNMA matches diverse freshmen with upper class SNMA members who provide advice and guidance on how to negotiate the academic and social waters of medical school.

Physician Partners Mentor Program
This program offers the advantage of meeting and being mentored by diverse physicians in the community. Faculty, administrators, students and practicing physicians come together to provide avenues of support and contact to current students. You can consult with professionals who’ve gone through everything you’ll be going through. They’ve succeeded, and through their example, advice, and counsel, you’ll learn to succeed, too.

Diversity Initiative
The Office of Diversity Affairs’ mission isn’t limited to minority students themselves. We endeavor to change prejudicial attitudes through workshops during orientation on race, gender and sexual orientation issues so that all students may avoid carrying bias into their professional lives.

 

Enrichment Programs

Pre-Baccalaureate/Summer Premedical Academic
Enrichment Program
The Summer Premedical Academic Enrichment Program (SPAEP) Level I helps underrepresented high school seniors and college freshmen strengthen academic skills and focus their interest in a medical career. Program courses enhance learning and develop study skills in science, written English and public speaking. You’ll receive a stipend, personal support and academic counseling as well as the opportunity to interact regularly with doctors and medical students with similar backgrounds and educational experiences.

SPAEP Level II gives undergraduate juniors and seniors a mentored research experience and exposure to the hospital environment. Level II also helps prepare you for the medical school admissions process by offering training for the MCAT and interview situations.

Both programs are seven weeks in length and offer housing, meals, travel and stipends. The application deadline is March 1 of each year.

Click here for Summer Application

High-School Students/Medical Explorers
Medical Explorers is a school-year program for Pittsburgh-area high school students. The group meets weekly, examining a (student-selected) different topic each semester. Students attend lectures from minority physicians, meet and interact with minority medical students, shadow physicians, and participate in laboratory experiences such as clinical pathology conferences. Supplemental activities such as CPR certification and study skills instruction are available. This program is offered in partnership with the Boy Scouts of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

 

For more information, e-mail The Office of Student Affairs/Diversity Programs or write:
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Office of Student Affairs/Diversity Programs
532 Scaife Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-648-8987
Collect: 412-621-3589
Fax: 412-624-2516
diversityaffairs@medschool.pitt.edu

 

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