University of Florida

Overview

UF SHPEP is an immersive program where scholars will engage in case-based learning and interprofessional experiences. Scholars will learn to prepare for the rigors of professional school through our academic program and workshops on successful study strategies. The University of Florida Health Science Center (UFHSC) houses six health-related colleges (Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health & Health Professions, and Veterinary Medicine). It is the only health science center in the southeast, and one out of three nationally, where all six colleges of health are co-located on the same campus. The UFHSC provides students who are interested in the medical, dental, pharmacy, or public health pathways an opportunity to explore career choices in a collaborative and collegial environment. Examples of UF SHPEP activities include:

Academic Enrichment: The academic enrichment component of the program enhances studying and test-taking abilities and improves knowledge of basic science principles. Scholars (a) review, acquire, integrate, and apply the basic science principles that underlie biomedical theory and practice; (b) analyze clinically relevant problems to recognize the molecular basis for the causes, effects, and methods of treatment of disease, and to excel in pre-professional course work; and (c) become aware of advances in health sciences and understand the contributions of research to health care.

Clinical Skill Laboratories: Scholars work with a human patient simulator to illustrate biological principles and laws of physics and chemistry in a hands-on manner utilizing customized scenarios and simulations such as the dangers of drug abuse or smoking. The College of Dentistry offers laboratory experiences giving the scholars hands-on experiences in dental procedures, such as creating tooth composites and denture models.

Career Development Workshops: Scholars participate in activities designed to successfully guide them through the admissions process. Admissions officers will discuss the applications, interviewing, and financial decisions and best practices for admissions success, such as community service, shadowing, and research experiences.

Health Policy Seminars & Interprofessional Education: Scholars participate in seminars and workshops that examine topics such as the current U.S. healthcare industry and public policy, health disparity causes and solutions, and issues concerning the lack of healthcare access.  Scholars will also engage in interprofessional exercises to simulate the collaboration that occurs between professionals of various health fields in providing patient care.

Clinical Experience: We provide a variety of clinical rotations for scholars to learn more about their intended careers and engage in interprofessional learning experiences. Rotations will take place in the teaching clinics of the six colleges or in sites with interprofessional models of care and teaching.

COVID-19 Institution Policies:

Masks are encouraged for all indoor activities at this site.

More information regarding the campus COVID-19 policies: https://wellness.ufl.edu/

Health Profession Tracks Offered:

• Medical
• Dental
• Pharmacy
• Public Health

Finances

Meals: Students will receive a meal subsidy during the first two weeks while programming is held virtually and will be provided with a campus meal plan during the remaining four weeks students will be in-person on the University of Florida campus. More information regarding UF on-campus dining can be found here: https://dineoncampus.com/uf/

Stipend: Scholars will receive a $1000 stipend, which will be distributed in $300 installments in weeks 1 and 4 and will receive the remaining $400 the week after the program has concluded. Stipend installments are disbursed via a reloadable Visa debit card provided to students at the beginning of the program.

Living

Housing: Students will be provided with on-campus housing during weeks three to six of the program. Dorm rooms are furnished with a desk, bed, closet area, and dresser. Students should expect to share a dorm room with one other person and share a bathroom with up to three other people. More information regarding UF on-campus housing can be found here: https://housing.ufl.edu/

Social Activities: Scholars have a full menu of extracurricular activities to enjoy. Possible activities include: virtual mixers providing scholars with opportunities to get to know each other and program faculty, staff, and professional student mentors; meditation sessions and mental-health check-ins; and interactive games and competitions. After arriving on-campus, students will have access to university recreational facilities, free public transportation, and a variety of museums and activities in nature.