College of Medicine Pipeline Programs

It is with much regret that The University of Kentucky College of Medicine will not be able to offer PEPP Scholars and PEPP MD summer pipeline programs for 2020. These programs rely heavily on direct observation and in-person activities. Given the current circumstances surrounding the novel COVID-19 pandemic we will be unable to offer these programs this summer. Each applicant has been emailed additional information and offerings. We apologize for any inconvenience. The safety of our participants is our number one priority.

Additionally, our UKMED program does not share the same requirements as our PEPP programs and has been converted to an entirely virtual experience allowing us to offer this specific program on June 15-16, 2020. The selection committee will be contacting applicants in the near future for notification of acceptance.

At UK, nothing is out of reach. The College of Medicine is where you’ll find all of the things you need to do all the things you never thought you could. We’re committed to training future health care leaders to provide excellent care for the Commonwealth and beyond. We invite our next generation of learners to dream boldly and discover what’s “Wildly Possible” through our pipeline programs.

The College of Medicine offers free pipeline opportunities at varying levels of education, from high school through undergraduate studies. Each program includes unique activities that aid in preparing students for a career in medicine.

Summer Enrichment Program

Hosted by the University of Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), our three-week residential camp is an opportunity for high school students to explore a variety of careers in health professions and learn about the requirements for health career majors. Academic course work is also part of the camp experience.
Eligibility:
  • Rising Kentucky high school junior
  • Must be 15 years old by the start of the program
Dates:
The Summer Enrichment Program will run from June 7 – 26, 2020. All application materials must be submitted by the end of the business day March 2, 2020.
Tips for Sucess in the Application Process:
  • Please take your time and prepare thoughtful insight on why you would like to be invited to the AHEC Summer Enrichment Camp.
  • When writing your personal statement be concise and intentional. You do not have many words so proofread, correct grammatical and spelling errors, and again, take your time.
  • Extracurricular activities tell us what you do in your school, community and your pursuit of a health care profession.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Choose people who know you and your passion to pursue a health profession. Please do not select someone from your family. Also, provide them with plenty of time to complete the letter, as you want the best letter your recommender could write on your behalf. The AHEC office will send a unique link to your recommenders to complete the letters; however, it is up to you to follow up with them to ensure completion.
Contact the AHEC office with questions or concerns prior to submitting your application. Carefully follow the links below to begin the process of applying to the camp for which you are eligible. Please note this is a secure registration site.

Health Researchers Youth Academy

This is a three-week residential camp, hosted by the University of Kentucky Area Health Education Center, is for students who are closer to pursuing their college education, providing the opportunity for an immersive experience in health care research with world class UK researchers and clinicians. During the camp, participants work in teams with guidance from research faculty and staff to develop a health-related research poster presentation.
Eligibility:
  • Rising Kentucky high school senior
Dates:
The Health Researchers Youth Academy will run from June 7 – 26, 2020. All application materials must be submitted by the end of the business day March 2, 2020.
Tips for Success in the Application Process:
  • Please take your time and prepare thoughtful insight on why you would like to be invited to the AHEC Health Researchers Youth Academy.
  • When writing your personal statement be concise and intentional. You do not have many words so proofread, correct grammatical and spelling errors, and again, take your time.
  • Extracurricular activities tell us what you do in your school, community and your pursuit of a health care profession.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Choose people who know you and your passion to pursue a health profession. Please do not select someone from your family. Also, provide them with plenty of time to complete the letter, as you want the best letter your recommender could write on your behalf. The AHEC office will send a unique link to your recommenders to complete the letters; however, it is up to you to follow up with them to ensure completion.
Contact the AHEC office with questions or concerns prior to submitting your application. Carefully follow the links below to begin the process of applying to the camp for which you are eligible. Please note this is a secure registration site.

Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) Scholars

UK’s Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) was established in 1982 and restructured in 2019 to include the PEPP Scholars program and the PEPP MD/DMD program.

PEPP Scholars is a summer academic enrichment program that exposes high school graduates to health professions, in hope of solidifying their commitment to a career in medicine or dentistry. The program affords young scholars the chance to observe, network, and volunteer within the health care setting.
Eligibility:
  • Rising college freshman
  • Clear interest in dental or medical school
  • Be a U.S. citizen
Other factors for consideration include that a student:
  • Identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in the health professions;
  • Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
  • Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations
  • Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation
Dates:
The program dates for the 2020 PEPP Scholars program are June 14-26, 2020.
Selection:
The selection committee will carefully review the written personal statement, letter of recommendation, application, transcripts, and standardized test scores when selecting participants. There will be 20 applicants selected. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.

Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program. They must also reside on campus at all times unless escorted by the PEPP staff.

PEPP Scholars applications contain the following items:
  1. Personal statement (limited to 3000 characters)
  2. Letter of recommendation from a teacher (unique link sent via email)
  3. Unofficial high school transcript
  4. UK PEPP Scholars application
  5. A copy of your ACT/SAT score
  6. A photograph of yourself (standard passport size)
Completed applications must be received by April 30, 2020 (extended). For additional information, contact Carlos Marin at (859) 323-8016 or cma223@uky.edu.

Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) MD/DMD

The Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) MD/DMD is an academic enrichment program for rising college sophomores who are interested in becoming physicians and dentists to serve the Commonwealth. The program is tailored to provide more intense and focused exposure to the professions. In addition, afford young scholars the chance to observe, network, and volunteer within the health care setting while gaining further understanding of the profession and requirements for future admission to medical and dental school.
Eligibility:
  • Rising college sophomore
  • Have a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0
  • Be a U.S. citizen
Other factors for consideration include that a student:
  • Identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in the health professions;
  • Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
  • Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations
  • Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation
Dates:
The program dates for the 2020 PEPP-MD/DMD program are June 14-26, 2020.
Selection:
The selection committee will carefully review the written personal statement, letter of recommendation, application, transcripts, and standardized test scores when selecting participants. There will be 15-20 applicants selected for each program. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.

Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program. They must also reside on campus at all times unless escorted by the PEPP staff.
PEPP MD/DMD applications contain the following items:
  1. Personal statement (limited to 3000 characters)
  2. Letter of recommendation from a professor (unique link sent via email)
  3. Unofficial undergraduate transcript
  4. UK PEPP PEPP-MD/DMD application
  5. A photograph of yourself (standard passport size)
Completed applications must be received by April 30, 2020 (extended). For additional information, contact Carlos Marin at (859) 323-8016 or cma223@uky.edu.

UKMED

Now in its 11th year, the University of Kentucky Medical Education Development Program (UKMED) is an annual recruitment program hosted by the UK College of Medicine. The goal of this annual recruitment program is to attract individuals who are underrepresented in medicine to the college. Participants have the unique opportunity to gain a glimpse of life in medical school through interactions with students and faculty. In addition, participants will attend workshops focused on interviewing skills, personal statement writing, and discussions on medical conditions relevant to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Eligibility:
  • Rising college juniors
  • Students who have applied or will be applying to medical school within the next two years
  • Minimum science GPA of 3.0
Dates:
The program dates for the 2020 UKMED program are June 14-16, 2020.
Travel and Housing:
Participants are responsible for arranging their travel. Housing is available upon request.
Application Process:
Completed UKMED applications must be received by April 30, 2020 (extended).
For additional information, contact Carlos Marin at (859) 323-8016 or cma223@uky.edu.

Program History:
“The program is based on a similar program called FOCUS that I experienced as an undergraduate student at Georgia Institute of Technology,” said Dr. Ebong. “The idea arose out of my desire to do something positive and make a difference. Partnering with students on programs such as this is so inspirational for me.” Ima Ebong, MD | UKMED Creator and 2013 graduate

"Participating in the UKMED program as premed student was truly an invaluable experience. Having the opportunity to tour the facilities, participate in stimulation, and speak with current medical students and faculty, provided me with a glimpse into the different aspects of medical school. Now as a resident at UK, I’m happy to be able to pay it forward, helping other students pursue their passion for medicine." Tracy Harbut, MD (pictured) | UK Department of Anesthesiology


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