PULLMAN, Wash.–Fifteen Washington and Idaho high school students interested in medical careers are attending an enrichment program at Washington State University and the University of Idaho this summer.
The four-week program, called U-DOC (You Doctors of Color), permits students to explore medical and health careers and prepare for college. According to Mary Sanchez Lanier, program director, U-DOC encourages participation by underrepresented minorities, rural, first generation and economically disadvantaged students.
“Aspiring to be a physician does not always result in becoming a physician,” Lanier said. “A successful college experience is essential for students who wish to pursue a medical education.”
During the U-DOC program, the students will work to improve study, test-taking, writing and presentation skills and to increase their computer literacy. They are introduced to the curriculum required by health professions and learn CPR and first aid. In addition, students receive training from health care professionals at hospitals and clinics in Pullman and Moscow and St. Maries, Idaho.
U-DOC originated at the University of Washington in 1993 and is funded by a grant from the Health Careers Opportunity Program. It is sponsored by the University of Washington School of Medicine, WSU Minority Affairs Program, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U of I and WSU.
This is the first year the program, which runs from June 8 to July 3, has been offered at WSU and U of I through the regional WAMI medical education program.
Those attending are Kristin Lalonde, Ashton, Idaho; Rigoberto Gomez, Sunnyside; Cynthia Vega, Mattawa; Tanya Gutierrez, Toppenish; Annie Goodson, Harrison, Idaho; Christine Schuck, Dayton; Georgina Coca, College Place; Elvia Delgado, Moses Lake; Brian Paradis, Council, Idaho; Christine Reid, Spokane; and Michelle Chin, Moscow, Idaho.
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