UF Summer Health Professions Education Program
(SHPEP)
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”
The scholar's motto exemplifies the perseverance, determination, and dedication embodied by all future healthcare providers. This selective program brought together passionate and proactive pre-health scholars from diverse backgrounds. The virtual enrichment program emphasized the importance of professional development, teamwork, diversity, and inclusion. Through health policy seminars and academic enrichment lectures, I engaged with multi-faceted issues at the core of healthcare, from social and political determinants of health to the importance of health literacy.
I applied this newly obtained knowledge by collaborating with my teammates on several group projects. The opioid epidemic case study prompted us to critically think about the complex problems surrounding rural medicine and brainstorm possible solutions. We blended our unique ideas, cultural upbringings, and creativity into our interprofessional presentation, embodying the collaborative nature that lies at the heart and soul of healthcare. Access the SHPEP Case Study presentation here.
I was also exposed to a unique array of healthcare career pathways through closer-look sessions on nursing, physician assistants, therapists, and more health professions. Within the medicine pathway of the program, I networked with UF College of Medicine (COM) physicians whose empowering and inspiring words confirmed that the role of a physician is my true calling. Diving into each medical specialty provoked me to think outside the box and broadened my perspective of my own passions and interests within medicine. Every interaction strengthened my resolve to attend UF COM, enhancing my connection to the gator nation and Gainesville community. The wide variety of group projects, lectures, individual assignments, and professional development workshops blended into an educational and engaging summer experience. Access the entire SHPEP summer schedule and timeline of activities here.
