MedAchieve: The Pre-Health Career Pathway Institute
MedAchieve is a pre-health career medical school preparatory pathway program that begins with science enrichment for high school students and ends with a boot camp for the college student preparing to apply to medical school. Provided by the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, levels 1-3 are in-person and located in Harlem, New York City. In partnership with Mentoring in Medicine level 4 is provided virtually and prior to the critical application phase. As part of MedAchieve Harlem, you’ll get hands-on experience with lab techniques, a medical student mentor, and knowledge of careers in many fields of medicine.
MedAchieve Level 1 (High School)
MedStart is the first year of the MedAchieve program. An intensive look at the basic sciences in the field of medicine (human anatomy, physiology & genetics) while complimenting the high school curriculum. Strengthening knowledge in:
- Human anatomy
- Physiology
- Genetics
- Neuroanatomy
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
- Hands on laboratory
Participation: Application required. Open to high school students
Duration: Weekly program for 6-7 months
Cost: Free but attendance is required to complete level 1
To apply for MedAchieve Level 1 send an email to medachievescholars@gmail.com
Meet Times: We will meet each week on Thursdays from 5-7pm, during which time we’ll cover many different fields of medicine.
In the fall, we meet September to November, and in the spring we meet mid-January to mid-March. Look at our academic calendar for holiday closures and semester breaks. We do not meet during those times. You’ll receive the specific meet dates for the program prior to the program start and we ask that you review the dates to make sure you are available to attend. You are expected to complete both the both the fall and spring sessions.
What You'll Learn & Supplies: In addition to lecture-style learning, you will be given supervised laboratory instruction in the TouroCOM anatomy labs, including
- Cadavers
- Plastinated specimens
- 3D digital programs
In the cadaver labs, you will be exposed to formaldehyde preservatives in small concentrations. You will be given gloves when needed, but if you require respiratory barriers, such as dust masks, surgical masks, N95s you will need to supply your own. Please note that respiratory barriers are not required, they are a preference, and we will cover this topic during the appropriate lecture. These interactive sessions are dependent upon the government and school mandated health guidelines.
Attendance: TouroCOM students dedicate considerable time to the program, so if you sign up, we need you to be equally committed and attend all sessions. You will be allowed up to one (1) unexcused absence and/or three (3) excused absences. Any absences exceeding this limit will result in removal from the program without refund. Students with anticipated absences should send an email to medachievescholars@gmail.com at least 6 hours prior to the start of the session they will miss in order to avoid an unexcused absence.
Transportation: The MedAchieve program is not directly affiliated with any local high school district, and therefore transportation via bus is not currently available. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the program weekly.
Requirements to Apply: You must be current high school sophomore, junior, or senior student with minimum (2) high school semesters of science to apply to MedStart.
When to Apply: The application is open June 1st - September 15th.
MedAchieve Level 2 (High School)
MedExcel is the second year of the MedAchieve program. The focus is on how the body responds to stress, injury, and disease. Strengthening knowledge in:
- Stress
- Injury
- Disease
- Public health
- CPR
- Basic Life Support
- Healthcare delivery & admin
- Hands on laboratory
Participation: Application required. MedAchieve Level 1 completers
Duration: Weekly program for 6-7 months
Cost: Free but attendance is required to complete and graduate from 1 & 2
To apply for MedAchieve Level 2 send an email to medachievescholars@gmail.com
Meet Times: We will meet each week on Thursdays from 5-7pm, during which time we’ll cover many different fields of medicine.
In the fall, we meet September to November, and in the spring we meet mid-January to mid-March. Look at our academic calendar for holiday closures and semester breaks. We do not meet during those times. You’ll receive the specific meet dates for the program prior to the program start and we ask that you review the dates to make sure you are available to attend. You are expected to complete both the both the fall and spring sessions.
What You'll Learn & Supplies: In addition to lecture-style learning, you will be given supervised laboratory instruction in the TouroCOM anatomy labs, including
- Cadavers
- Plastinated specimens
- 3D digital programs
In the cadaver labs, you will be exposed to formaldehyde preservatives in small concentrations. You will be given gloves when needed, but if you require respiratory barriers, such as dust masks, surgical masks, N95s you will need to supply your own. Please note that respiratory barriers are not required, they are a preference, and we will cover this topic during the appropriate lecture. These interactive sessions are dependent upon the government and school mandated health guidelines.
Attendance: TouroCOM students dedicate considerable time to the program, so if you sign up, we need you to be equally committed and attend all sessions. You will be allowed up to one (1) unexcused absence and/or three (3) excused absences. Any absences exceeding this limit will result in removal from the program without refund. Students with anticipated absences should send an email to medachievescholars@gmail.com at least 6 hours prior to the start of the session they will miss in order to avoid an unexcused absence.
Transportation: The MedAchieve program is not directly affiliated with any local high school district, and therefore transportation via bus is not currently available. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the program weekly.
Requirements to Apply: To apply to MedExcel, you must be a current high school student with minimum (4) high school semesters of science and have completed the MedStart program.
When to Apply: The application is open June 1st - September 15th.
MedAchieve Level 3 (High School)
MedAchieve Research is a hands-on educational biomedical research experience. The program teaches key concepts toward developing a hypothesis, utilizing basic science methods, analyzing data, and organizing a final presentation of results. An additional focus on understanding the needs of the Harlem, NYC community.
Participation: Application required. MedAchieve Level 1 & 2 completers
Duration: Summer. 10 weeks
Cost: Free but attendance is required to complete
To apply for MedAchieve Level 3 send an email to medachievescholars@gmail.com
MedAchieve Level 4 (College)
In Partnership with Mentoring in Medicine
The Medical Pathway Program (MPP) Bootcamp is a virtual medical school preparatory boot camp. Focus is on MCAT prep, AAMC Professional Readiness information, application review, mock interviews, mentorship & coaching in areas of performance, study skills, communication, stress reduction, etiquette and more.
Participation: Application required. Graduates of MedAchieve 1 and 2 or 1, 2 and 3. A strong and demonstrated desire to eliminate health disparities.
Duration: 40 weeks (10 months)
Cost: Approved applicants receive a TouroCOM scholarship to participate. Attendance is required in all programming.
To apply for MedAchieve Level 4 send an email to tcomstudentservices@gmail.com
