The summer of 2023 marks the 18^th year of the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at the University of Louisville. Each summer, 80 future healthcare professionals gather on the Health Science Campus for six weeks. The program is used to help scholars develop team-based learning to apply basic and social sciences centered on two major themes: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Students with future plans in dentistry, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy are welcome to participate in this experience.

“We believe in the power of diversity and the transformative impact it has on healthcare,” said Dwayne Compton, Ed.D., chief diversity officer for the School of Medicine. “Our SHPEP serves as a platform to empower our underrepresented students and enhance their academic and professional development to cultivate a diverse healthcare workforce reflecting the communities we serve.”

SHPEP emphasizes personal and professional development including study strategies, career planning, and clinical exposure in the health care profession. Its primary goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in health professions and prepare them for successful application and matriculation to health professions schools. Scholars will gain exposure to advanced levels of science through participating in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physiology. Health policy and equity are interwoven into the core of the program to ensure that each participating scholar with leave the program with a clear mindset of how to be a compassion and understanding health care profession.

“I am thrilled to participate in SHPEP and have the chance to learn from professionals in diverse healthcare fields” said Cheyla Tabares Cuesta, incoming scholar for SHPEP. "Learning networking skills and being exposed to opportunities will provide the necessary tools to confidently advance in my desired career. This opportunity will undoubtedly shape my understanding of healthcare and inspire me to make a meaningful impact in communities in need.”

The University of Louisville School of Medicine congratulates the 2023 cohort of SHPEP Scholars on completing the program. We look forward to the next generation of brilliant minds going into the healthcare profession.