A Decade of Pathways to Medicine: Program Evaluation and Lessons Learned in Implementing a Local Health-Professions Outreach Program.

Abstract

Pathway programs provide structured opportunities for students to explore healthcare careers and develop familiarity with educational pathways into the health professions. Ongoing evaluation of such programs is essential to gauge their success and inform iterative improvement. In 2013, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University launched the Pathways to Medicine program in partnership with local health professions' schools to provide Rhode Island high school students with structured educational experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities in healthcare fields. Herein we describe the design and structure of the Pathways to Medicine program and summarize internal program evaluation data from 2013-2022 related to participant engagement and post-program educational trajectories. Insights from participant feedback and program metrics informed targeted modifications, including expanded partnerships and enhanced support structures. These findings illustrate how iterative, systematic program evaluation can guide the evolution of pathways initiatives and support continuous improvement in program design and delivery.