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Proximal versus distal influences on underrepresented minority students pursuing health professional careers

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 29
Authors:
  • Cooney R et al
Summary:

These researchers discuss the exposure and enrichment activities provided by the Pipeline to Success programme run by the Health Careers Opportunities Program (HCOP) at Creighton University in the USA for participants beginning in middle school and continuing through a one-year postbaccalaureate component. These activities are designed to ensure that these students are knowledgeable about health professional careers and competitive in applying for these training programmes. Analyses of the programmes’ outcomes have shown that the middle-school participants demonstrate a different pattern of influence from the other programme components. As participants progressed through the Pipeline to Success HCOP at Creighton University, the programme resources impacted their desire to pursue health professional careers in addition to positively preparing them for health professional training programmes.

Comment:
Describes the Health Careers Opportunity Programme (HCOP) at Creighton University (USA) – a ‘pipeline to success’ model that provides health awareness at middle school, educational enrichment and mentoring at high school. Results from the questionnaires show that middle school/young students are influenced by proximal factors (parents/ family) and college/older students are influenced by distal factors (health professionals, role models, job shadowing, programme staff). Particularly useful for similar programmes here, in that different age groups will require specific programmes (and consequently unique resources, expertise, etc).
Reference: Natl Med Assoc. 2006;98(9):1471-5.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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