Disparities in health care delivery increasingly affect the health (and security) of this nation. Emphasis on primary care in the new health reform bill as well as the rising cost of a medical education essentially guarantee that persons of lower income families (disproportionately already underrepresented in STEM disciplines) cannot afford to go to medical school. Yet, the demographics of America are changing and many of today's medical students may not have the exposure or understanding of patients or colleagues of other cultures. This workshop outlines the road map to a medical education, starting from math/science competence in high school, a summer medical immersion program, and strategies to increase enrollment of underrepresented minority students in medical schools nationwide. Scholarship strategies will also be explored. A proven immersion program, called S2M2: Science, Service, Medicine, & Mentoring will be described and can be distributed to high schools nationwide. A hands-on demonstration of laparoscopic surgery skills will also be provided.
