Pipeline programs are by their very nature investments in the future. We believe in these investments and continue to make them to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion at Duke and beyond. Short-term research opportunities for URM and women trainees at all levels, K-12 programs to create contagious enthusiasm in science and medicine, building collaborative relationships with URM serving institutions, and seeking grant opportunities that aim to increase diversity in biomedical fields are examples of how we have been successful in creating pipeline programs that enrich the applicant pool for medical school, residency and fellowship training, and faculty positions.
Visiting Clinical Scholars Program
Many medical students explore residency programs by participating in clerkships at their schools of choice. If one assumes that the resident pool is representative of the pool from which fellows and faculty are mentored and recruited, then a strategic investment in diversifying the pool of residents holds the potential to positively impact the diversity of our fellows and faculty. Our 4th Year Medical Students Visiting Clinical Scholars Program for underrepresented minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged students is an important step forward in this direction. The Visiting Clinical Scholars Program is currently offered in the Departments of Surgery, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Medicine, Psychiatry, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pathology, Radiology, and Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences with the intention to expand the program.
Summer Biomedical Sciences Institute (formerly Summer Medical and Dental Education Program)
The Summer Biomedical Sciences Institute targets talented prehealth college first-year and sophomore college students who are disadvantaged, from underserved communities, are underrepresented minority, or interested in the health of the underserved. SBSI is a free, six-week residential program of science/math education, clinical experiences, study of medical ethics, health disparities, and learning strategies.
BOOST (Building Overtures and Opportunities in Science and Technology)
Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) BOOST is a program for Durham Public School students in grades 5 – 12. For more than a decade BOOST has had the overarching goals of maintaining interest in science and mathematics, graduation from high school and college, and ultimately matriculation into a health professions education institution or career.