Program Overview

The PADMed Pathway Program is a holistic initiative designed to support collegiate sophomores from varying backgrounds to support them on their path to medical school matriculation. This program provides a structured blend of academic, professional, and personal development resources to prepare scholars for the rigorous demands of medical education while fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Program Structure

The PADMed Pathway Program offers tiered support that evolves to meet students’ changing needs from sophomore year through graduation. The program builds progressively, ensuring students are well-prepared both academically and professionally. By combining structured coursework, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and hands-on experiences, PADMed ensures that scholars are positioned for success in medical school and beyond.

Core elements include the integration of academic coaching, tutoring, community engagement, and a focus on professional competencies aligned with the AAMC PREview framework. The program leverages both in- person and virtual learning modalities to accommodate diverse student schedules and learning preferences, maintaining a balance of flexibility and collaboration.

Program Components

Academic Foundations

At the heart of the PADMed curriculum is a Saturday course offered over ten sessions each academic year, alternating between in-person and virtual formats to accommodate diverse learning styles and logistical needs. This course is centered on the AAMC PREview competencies, equipping students with the non-academic skills essential for success in medical school. These competencies include:

  1. Service Orientation: Demonstrating a commitment to improving the well-being of others.
  2. Teamwork: Collaborating effectively and adapting to team dynamics.
  3. Oral and Written Communication: Communicating ideas clearly and effectively.
  4. Ethical Responsibility: Upholding integrity and professional standards.
  5. Reliability and Dependability: Managing time effectively and meeting responsibilities.
  6. Resilience and Adaptability: Navigating challenges and learning from setbacks.
  7. Cultural Humility: Recognizing and respecting diverse perspectives.
  8. Empathy and Compassion: Responding sensitively to others’ needs.
  9. Critical Thinking and Scientific Inquiry: Analyzing problems systematically and applying scientific reasoning.

Summer Experiential Curriculum

A highlight of the program is the four-week Clinical Placement and Research Experience, running from June 2 to July 2, 2025. During this immersive summer experience, students engage in:

  • Clinical Shadowing: Observing physicians and healthcare teams in action.
  • Research Projects: Participating in meaningful research initiatives.
  • Hands-On Patient Care: Gaining practical exposure in clinical settings.

To ensure full participation, PADMed provides fully funded housing, transportation, and a food stipend. Additionally, Career Development Workshops during the summer focus on building professional skills and preparing students for the realities of healthcare careers.

Academic Support

To reinforce their learning and ensure academic success, scholars are required to:

  • Complete a minimum of four hours of tutoring each semester.
  • Attend at least five academic coaching workshops annually, which provide tailored strategies for navigating academic challenges.

Community Engagement

Fostering a sense of civic responsibility, scholars are required to complete at least five hours of community service monthly. Activities may include volunteering with local nonprofits, mentoring younger students, or participating in community health initiatives. This service requirement is designed to instill leadership skills and a commitment to making meaningful contributions to society.

Program Supports

To eliminate barriers, PADMed provides:

  • Housing and Transportation: Fully funded accommodations and travel arrangements for summer activities.
  • Mentorship: Structured mentor meetings offer personalized guidance on academics and professional development.
  • Networking and Social Engagement: Events build peer connections and professional networks.
  • Logistical Support: Transportation (Uber gift cards, SEPTA passes) and meals are provided for all in-person sessions.

Program Requirements and Scholar Expectations

Scholars must:

  • Maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher at their home institution and earn a “B-” or better in core science courses.
  • Uphold professionalism and engagement standards.
  • Participate in tutoring, academic workshops, and community service.

Program Outcomes

The PADMed Pathway Program aims to:

  • Increase URiM enrollment in medical programs.
  • Enhance student readiness for medical school.
  • Provide clinical and research experiences to build skills.
  • Improve academic performance and medical school admission rates.
  • Foster inter-institutional collaboration through shared resources.
  • Establish a sustainable, continuously improving program model.
  • Enhance faculty capabilities to support student success.
  • Ensure equitable access to resources and support services for URiM students.

Student Outcomes

Upon completing the program, students will:

  • Adapt to academic challenges and setbacks with resilience.
  • Apply critical thinking to solve problems and analyze content.
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal and collaborative skills in diverse environments.
  • Cultivate cultural awareness and financial literacy for managing medical school costs.
  • Exhibit ethical behavior, reliability, and personal responsibility.
  • Engage in scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning in academic and research tasks.
  • Build a strong commitment to service-oriented projects.
  • Evaluate personal growth and identify areas for self-improvement.