Indiana University School of Medicine hosts a number of “pipeline programs” for high school and undergraduate students from minority populations. These programs help prepare diverse students for success in medical education and create talent pipelines of students ready to attend Indiana University School of Medicine. Two programs in particular, known as Dr. Camp (grades 5-8) and Camp MD (grades 9-12), provide ongoing exposure to and experiences within the medical field and other health professions in order to enhance the populations of students who often go underrepresented in medicine.
Vicki Bonds, MEd, is the Director of Pipeline and Pre-Doctoral Programs at IU School of Medicine. She says IU School of Medicine’s strategic recruitment helps to support diverse participants and future patients who want doctors that look and talk like they do.
“Their success is our success,” says Bonds. “We encourage career exploration and connect pipeline program participants with school faculty to help diverse students get involved in areas of medicine that may be of interest to them.”
Bonds says COVID-19 has impacted the pipeline programs significantly. For example, Dr. Camp and Camp MD were cancelled during the summer of 2020, but the Simon Cancer Center Research Program offered a virtual experience for high school and college students.
