Enrichment Sessions

The purpose of these monthly workshops is to keep our students knowledgeable about health care issues and the practice of medicine; to gain advice regarding medical school preparation and insight into becoming a medical student and future physician.  Students are required to attend these sessions held in the fall and spring semesters unless there are special circumstances that conflict (e.g, work, religious activities, etc.).  

Enlightenment Sessions

In addition to monthly enrichment sessions, there are one hour enlightenment sessions held on a week day periodically during the semester. These sessions are for our students to gain professional and personal development.  Speakers range from guest physicians to U of L faculty/staff covering cultural competency, academic assistance, campus and community outreach opportunities.  These sessions are optional and may be used to make up for one missed enrichment session.

Extracurricular Activities

As opportunities become available, our students participate in extracurricular activities;:

• Hands on demonstrations in the Simulation Center on the Health Sciences Center Campus
• Teambuilding activities

Volunteering and Service

When most pre-med students are asked why they want to become a physician, many of them say it's because they want to help people or like helping people. Volunteering your time through service illustrates your true commitment to helping people. Our students participate in service projects throughout the year to reach out to the community and learn about ways they can help others; whether it's by preparing and serving meals at the Ronald McDonald House or co-hosting a birthday party for the children in the Volunteers of America Family Emergency Shelter. Volunteering also exposes them to diversity because they are serving in various areas of the city and people from all walks of life.  Students are required to volunteer while in the program.  We have group service projects and students may also have their own ongoing service projects

Mentoring

Our students are assigned a peer mentor during their first semester of the program to help them get adjusted. Their mentors provide advice, share their experiences and offer encourage to their mentee. Our students also receive a first year medical student mentor who will assist them in preparing for medical school. They offer advice as their mentee prepares for the medical school admissions process.

Clinical Observations

Students will attend clinical observations to gain exposure in the clinical setting. They will see first hand how the medical office or hospital operates, how physicians and patients interact with each other and how various medical procedures are performed. This glimpse into health care will give our students insight towards the career they're pursuing. The Program Director consults with the students about their areas of interest in medicine and will either provide contacts or make arrangements for them to shadow a physician. Announcements are also made on the listserv as new opportunities become available.

Research Opportunities

Clinical medicine and research are partners in health care. Researchers play a vital role in seeking cures and treatments for various diseases and ailments. The physician serves as a facilitator to implement what research has discovered, such as a new treatment for patients. The University of Louisville has renowned researchers and numerous research opportunities taking place year round. Some research opportunities are voluntary and others are paid. To seek out research opportunities at the University of Louisville, please go to Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) — Office of the Executive Vice President and University Provost (louisville.edu) or Office of Research and Innovation (louisville.edu). As opportunities become available, our students are notified and encouraged to apply if they have an interest in research. Research is optional.