OVERVIEW
This program is designed to expose underrepresented, inner city youth interested in becoming a physician to careers in medicine. The Student Affiliate is a modified program especially designed for Chicago area students who are away at college. We also accept college graduates including those who are in a post-baccalaureate program. Because our Student Affiliates are not routinely in the Chicago area, they are unable to take advantage of opportunities for One to One Physician Mentoring as our physicians are typically Chicago based. They also are not available to participate in our required curriculum that features doctor lead sessions that teach the “language of medicine.” Student Affiliates are, however, scheduled for routine academic advising sessions with one of our physician advisors who can review transcripts and help you map out a strategy to getting into medicine school. Student Affiliates are also welcome to participate in our various support services “ala Carte” such as MCAT Tutoring, Academic Support, etc… You are also welcome to participate in our annual networking events that include our Health Education Fairs, Citywide Student Conferences, Annual Picnic and more. Our Annual signature event, “Preparing Our Successors In Medicine” is spectacular and you should consider joining us for this inspirational event.
It’s important that you are not isolated. We are always better together. You need a village and we are here for you. Because of the demand for our Student Affiliate program, there may be a delay for getting scheduled with a physician for an academic advising session. Be patient, plan early and make sure to stay in touch!
Again, physician mentors are not a part of the Student Affiliate Program. If you are a college or post-baccalaureate student who LIVES in or around Chicago area and are interested in participating in our full mentoring program which requires a significant commitment, you should apply for the “Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program” when it opens up each December. We take students of all ages/grades.
By 2030 our country will experience a potentially devastating physician shortage. Our inner cities will be hardest hit. Health disparity statistics have proven that physicians from vulnerable populations are most likely to return to serve that same population. Anticipating this need, we have set out to prepare our successors in medicine. Preparing our scholars to lead, learn and to give back with a spirit of excellence are the principles we live by. Our mission will not only help us meet a projected critical medical access need, but we believe that we are rewriting our city’s history – from the inside out.
PROGRAM DESIGN
URBAN BRIDGES STUDENT AFFILIATE PROGRAM allows Chicago area students not currently residing in the area to benefit from academic advising sessions with our physician advisors and can also enjoy academic support. Additionally, student affiliates participate in many of our social networking events and major programs throughout the year
Academic Advising
Each student will have two academic advising sessions annually. While we will not take the place of formal institution based academic advising, we consider ourselves a very important part of the process. Our academic advisors are I AM ABEL FOUNDATION’S Physicians leadership with years of experience and knowledge of admissions requirements for United States Medical Colleges. Like our pre-med scholars, many of our physician advisors are themselves first generation college and medical school graduates. As such, they have overcome many barriers familiar to our students and are an example of what can be accomplished with hard work and commitment. As advisers, we see our role to support the student’s aspiration to become a physician and give them sound advice tools to give their vision wings. In many cases, our students will hear for the first time “yes you can,” followed by “this is how.”
URBAN BRIDGES MEDICAL STUDENT AFFILIATE PROGRAM
This program is available on a limited basis based on staffing, for Chicago area natives who are currently attending college or university downstate or out of state and therefore are unable to participate in the required program curriculum. It is also appropriate for college graduates (post bacc students) who need additional support. The following valuable resources are available to the Student Affiliate:
ACADEMIC AND PROGRAM SUPPORT
Participate in our MCAT study modules, get academic support for coursework as available and participate in a host of activities throughout the year that will keep you around medical students and physicians. Networking is KEY when trying to advance in professional circles like medicine. There will be ample opportunity to network within the foundation
Team Building Events and Activities
As a Student Affiliate you are welcome to join in most of our activities, particularly our team building events. Please look at our calendar and get in where you fit in. Saturday Morning Professor Series is for students in the mentoring program.
Summer Picnic with the mentors
Museum Surgical Science
Summer Book Club
Loyola Anatomy and Simulation Lab
Medical School Tag Along Program
CPR CERTIFICATION
Every student is required to become CPR certified and is expected to help train other high school students
SNMA ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Annually, I AM ABEL FOUNDATION STUDENTS in the URBAN BRIDGES MEDICAL MENTORING PROGRAM will journey with us to the Student National Medical Association (SNMA’s) Annual conference. The SNMA is the largest, oldest and most respected student organization for medical students of color. It is 4-5 days of education, networking, inspiration and pure enjoyment.
We will be taking the winners of our Patient Simulation Contest though others are welcome to travel with us at their own costs. Get inspired!
I AM ABEL FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
The opportunity to participate, with application waiving in our many other offerings including our INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM as well in numerous overseas humanitarian missions including Haiti, Africa and more.
PREPARING OUR SUCCESSORS IN MEDICINE ANNUAL STUDENT GALA AND AWARD CEREMONY
This is where your journey begins! Selected Scholars for a particular class year will be honored, presented and pinned by their mentors at our formal gala. You will dress to impress and come be inspired as your dream finally takes sail!
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
STUDENT AFFILIATE PROGRAM
This is a coaching program that will focus on Academic Advising and Program Support more suitable for post baccalaureate students or college students who do not currently reside or attend school within the Chicago metro area.
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Serious students interested in guidance and support in pursuit of their aspirations to become physicians
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This is per availability
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Open to resident of the Chicago metropolitan region
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GPA ≥ 2.5 recommended (not required)
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There is NO essay or Letter(s) of recommendation required
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Complete application and upload transcripts. This is required before scheduling an academic advising session with one of our physician advisors
CONTACT
WE ARE YOUR MENTORS, READY TO HELP YOU
NAVIGATE THE FIELD OF MEDICINE
URBAN BRIDGES MEDICAL STUDENT AFFILIATE PROGRAM
INSTRUCTIONS:
This opens Feb 22, 2021
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@iamabel.org.
Urban Bridges Medical Student Affiliate Program
If you are a Chicago area student attending school OUT OF STATE, you will NOT BE ABLE to participate in the year long mentoring program because you won't be here to participate in the curriculum. As a STUDENT AFFILIATE, however, you WILL have access to all other benefits of the program as described in the overview above.
As a STUDENT AFFILIATE, you MUST complete the application form in its entirety but you ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF REFERENCE. If preferred, however, transcripts and personal statement as well as parental consents may be emailed to info@iamabel.org (reference your application) or faxed to the attention of Dr. LaMenta Sweetie Conway at (855) 482-8236.