University of Washington

Overview

UW SHPEP will emphasize a culture of health by encouraging scholars to consider from the cellular to the global level the many factors that influence health. In addition, scholars will be encouraged to explore what their unique role will be in improving the health of communities with curricula that explores self-identity, culture, and personal strengths in context presenting a range of health professions. Rigorous academic course work will use a learn-to-learn model to provide academic enrichment in the areas of population health and life sciences. The emphasis of this learning model will focus NOT on learning exact subject areas, but instead on how best to learn life science topics so scholars are equipped with evidence-based techniques needed to succeed in these courses when they return to their home institutions. This will not be done in a format that is preparatory for exams like the MCAT or DAT. To maximize the experience, scholars will be expected to participate in all lectures, active learning activities, discussions, and to complete assignments outside of formal class, including self-reflection. Additionally, scholars in our program’s three health career pathways (i.e., Medicine, Dentistry, and Public Health) will have the opportunity to increase their understanding of social determinants of health and how to engage in finding community-informed solutions to reduce health disparities through case-learning projects. In small groups, scholars will use real-world cases to guide them through the process of developing the critical thinking skills necessary to acquire knowledge and to propose feasible public health solutions to mitigate complex challenges to community health and wellness. This will include formally presenting their solution to their UW-SHPEP community of peers, faculty and staff at the program’s conclusion.

The first 2 weeks of UW-SHPEP will be online (3-4 hours Monday-Friday) with expectations for some asynchronous learning that includes pre-work or pre-reading outside of virtual hours.  The final 4 weeks will be in-person (full days with some evenings for additional panels, guest speakers and networking dinners). Community-building and networking outside of class time is an important part of the program, and all scholars will be expected to live in the residence hall during the in-person portion of the program.

Clinical Experience: At this time, we plan to offer 3-4 clinical experiences hosted by local providers for scholars in the Medicine and Dentistry Pathways. This experience for scholars in the Public Health Pathway will not be clinically based and will instead be hosted by community public health professionals. Please note this component is limited to five percent of the program experience as directed by the national office that oversees all SHPEP sites.

Health Profession Tracks Offered

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Public Health

Finances

Meals: Scholars are provided a meal plan with housing.

Stipend: $1000.00 distributed in one payment when students arrive on campus.

Travel: Travel assistance will be provided.

Living

Social Activities: Community-building is integral to SHPEP, and our teaching assistants will work with scholars to plan activities.