SHPEP

Summer Health Professions Education Program

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What is the Summer Health Professions Education Program? 

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer enrichment hybrid program for first- and second-year college students interested in exploring a career in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professional schools.

SHPEP at the University of Louisville

SHPEP at UofL introduces prospective medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy scholars to the academic rigors of health professions education. Scholars will use team-based learning to integrate and apply the basic and social sciences centered on two major themes: diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Scholars will also work in inter-professional collaborative teams to develop and implement treatment plans with dental/medical/nursing/pharmacy applications.

Hybrid Program Dates

Programs take place during the summer months of June-July.

It is important to note, that scholars must be available to attend the full six weeks of the program. The majority of the program will take place during the day; however, there will be some evening and weekend program activities.

UofL SHPEP Program provides scholars with a variety of academic and professional experiences such as: 

  • Introduction to biomedical sciences (scholars will attend classes in organic chemistry, physiology, and biochemistry)
  • Guided hands-on activities
  • Academic and career advising
  • Exposure to health equity and policy
  • Shadowing opportunities
  • Simulation labs
  • Team-based learning modules and application
  • Access to the University of Louisville Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health & Information Sciences, and Sullivan University College of Pharmacy
  • Career exploration workshops
  • Personal development workshops
  • Networking opportunities
  • And more!

Application

Applications to the SHPEP program open on November 1 and close on February 5. Please use the following link to access the online application system: https://www.shpep.org/school/university-of-louisville/

Eligibility

  • Must be a high school graduate and currently enrolled as a first- or second-year student in college/university
  • Have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5
  • Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Must not have previously participated in the program

Other factors for consideration include:                           

  • Lives, or has lived in, a rural/medically underserved community
  • Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background and/or has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations
  • Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation
     

Program Contacts:

Jessi Duff Lord, jessica.duff@louisville.edu

Please email shpep@louisville.edu with any questions.