UNDERGRADUATE PRE-HEALTH PROGRAM

UPP is a selective, two-year developmental program for undergraduate students interested in healthcare, biomedical research, and related graduate or professional pathways. Each cohort includes up to 15 students, allowing for individualized support, meaningful mentorship, and a strong cohort experience.

Throughout the program, students explore health professions and research, develop professional and leadership skills, participate in hands-on learning experiences, and prepare for the next steps in their academic and professional journeys.

Orientation (Hybrid): The program kicks off with an orientation where members can meet with their cohort and UPP alumni. The focus of these days is to build community and become acclimated to the program's expectations and objectives.

Saturday Academies (Hybrid): The academies occur on one Saturday each month during the academic year. Distinguished University of Colorado Anschutz faculty, staff, students, and community partners facilitate workshops, seminars, and trainings. Academies are intended to broaden members' understanding of research, evaluation, current events, policies used in health promotion, disease prevention, health services, and eliminating health disparities.  Additionally, sessions focused on CV/Resume and personal statement development, mock interviews, and navigating the graduate and professional school admissions process will be offered.

Service Learning (In-Person): The current first-year UPP cohort will help deliver a one-week Middle School Pre-Collegiate program. This hands-on service-learning experience will provide UPP students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and mentoring skills while introducing younger students to research and problem-solving by designing an adaptive device prototype for individuals with hand or finger differences.

Wilderness First Aid Training & Certification (In-Person): UPP students will participate in hands-on training focused on recognizing and responding to injuries and medical emergencies when immediate access to professional medical care may be limited. Through scenario-based learning and practical skill development, students will strengthen their emergency preparedness, critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence while earning a Wilderness First Aid certification.

Career Exploration Week (In-Person): UPP members will be introduced to and learn about the School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, Public Health Program, Physician Assistant Program, Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, College of Nursing, Graduate School programs, and SKAGGS School of Pharmacy. UPP members will go through a series of training and certifications, including CPR and First Aid, HIPAA, and Environmental Health and Safety Training.

Summer Internship: The internship experience will begin and last between 4-6 weeks, placing each student in an area where members acquire hands-on learning experience that goes beyond shadowing.

Workshops are led by distinguished University of Colorado Faculty, staff, and students, as well as community physicians and partners. Sessions will consist of lectures and demonstrations.

• Saturday Academies Hybrid (monthly virtual & in-person session) 
  • September, October, November, February, March, and April 
• Summer Intensive: In-Person & Paid  
• Internship: Biomedical or Translational Research  
  • June & July  
    • Summer Closing  
  • July or August

• Fellows receive resources for graduate entrance exam preparation (MCAT/GRE/PCAT etc) 
• Continued Guidance from the Coordinator  
• Assistance w/ connections to shadowing  
• Invitation to join the Pathways Alumni Connection (PAC)