STAR-PREP POST-BACCALUREATE PROGRAM INCREASES ASCENSION AND RETENTION OF UNDER-REPRESENTED STUDENTS TO PHD, MD-PHD, AND MD-DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Abstract

Background: Population diversity in the U.S. is increasing. Currently, 40% of persons in the U.S. self-identifies as racially diverse. However, persons from these groups are also under-represented (UR) in biomedical research and healthcare professions. Less than 10% of PhD biomedical research degrees and about 20% of MD degrees are awarded to UR persons. There is a need to increase the diversity of the biomedical and healthcare workforces. Description and Methods: The UMB STAR-PREP post-baccalaureate was designed to increase URM Scholars’ enrollment into and ultimately completion of Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D degrees. A robust selection matrix and process are used to guide input scholar diversity. Selected scholars receive rigorous research and academic immersion in addition to social, professional-development and community-serving program elements to build identify and, to mitigate imposter syndrome. Results: In 8 years, of 41 STAR-PREP alumni to date, 32/41 (78%) have ascended to PhD and MD-PhD degree tracks. Five Scholars (5/41, 12%) have ascended to MD, DO and MD-other dual degree tracks. The retention rate in terminal degree programs to date is 100%. Conclusions: STAR-PREP has successfully employed both holistic and individualized components coupled to an intentional programming model that simultaneously addresses imposter syndrome, creates and instills a sense of belonging and, includes rigorous academic and research immersion to increase UR advancement to and retention in terminal degree programs in biomedical research and healthcare. Expansion of such programs may help meet workforce diversity goals.