For aspiring medical professionals considering their path in healthcare, gaining firsthand experience and insight into different medical specialties is invaluable. The Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program offers a unique and immersive opportunity for pre-med students to explore the world of primary care. Each year, this selective program at Penn State College of Medicine welcomes undergraduates from across the nation to delve into the realities and rewards of primary care medicine. This intensive program, celebrating its 25th anniversary, provides a comprehensive overview of medical school and the critical role of primary care physicians.
The two-week Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program is designed to be an enriching experience, bridging the gap between undergraduate studies and the rigors of medical school. Participants benefit from direct interaction with current medical students and practicing primary care physicians across various clinical settings. A key component of the program is demystifying the medical school application process and offering a preview of the medical curriculum.
Kayla McCandless, an Allegheny College alumna, attested to the program’s impact, stating, “The Primary Care Scholars Program was immensely helpful in my decision to go to medical school.” Echoing this sentiment, Niki Price from Penn State University Park described it as “a life-changing experience,” highlighting the transformative nature of the program.
The program’s curriculum is thoughtfully structured, beginning with four days of intensive sessions on the Penn State Hershey campus. These sessions cover crucial topics such as medical school admissions strategies, an introduction to the College of Medicine’s innovative Family Medicine Accelerated Program, and engaging problem-based learning case discussions. Participants gain a deeper understanding of primary care’s core principles and practice across family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. To provide a holistic view of medical student life, current College of Medicine students participate in panels, sharing their personal experiences and insights.
A distinctive element of the Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program is the week-long clinical shadowing experience. Each scholar is paired with a family physician, general pediatrician, or general internist, allowing for practical, real-world observation. To maximize accessibility and convenience, students can opt to complete their clinical experience near their college, home, or at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Dr. Dennis Gingrich, a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and Humanities, emphasizes the program’s strategic importance: “The Primary Care Scholars program is an effort to attract more students into fields of primary care, as there continues to be a shortage of primary care physicians in the U.S.” He further explains the broader societal benefit, noting, “More primary care physicians would provide continuity and cost-effective, coordinated care for patients from cradle to grave.”
The Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program is expertly coordinated by a dedicated team including Dr. Gingrich, Dr. Andrew Lutzkanin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine; Dr. Lisa Sherwood, Internist at Hershey Medical Center; and Dr. Kathryn Crowell, Pediatrician at Hershey Medical Center, with essential administrative support from Diane Ferron. This program stands as a testament to Penn State’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of primary care physicians and addressing the nation’s healthcare needs.
