ABQ Times

Applications are now open for the University of New Mexico (UNM) Health Sciences Pre-Health Scholars Certificate (PHSC) program at the Rio Rancho campus. The program, established two years ago, integrates science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields with humanities and cultural experiences.

“By making better human beings, we make better health professionals,” said Laura Burton, PhD, Associate Director of UNM Health Sciences Rio Rancho Campus. “What I mean by better human beings is they are more culturally humble, more culturally aware, more self-aware, better listeners, better communicators, better at connecting and building empathy.”

Burton designed the PHSC and leads the program consisting of five courses—three in the fall and two in the spring. Each course carries three credit hours. Approved by the UNM Board of Regents as a 400 and 500-level program, it targets advanced undergraduate students or college graduates.

“I have at least six alumni who are in the process of applying to medical school,” Burton stated. “One is planning to go to physician assistant school; one student is currently doing research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Washington D.C.; another has been accepted into medical school after multiple attempts prior to taking PHSC.”

Lorenzo Silva was one such student who applied unsuccessfully to medical school twice before joining the first PHSC cohort in 2022. He graduated from PHSC in May 2023.

“I saw this program as an opportunity to strengthen my resume and learn skills that would hopefully prepare me for a career in health care,” Silva said.

Silva begins classes at UNM School of Medicine this month. He credits PHSC for equipping him with communication skills and critical thinking necessary for a career in medicine.

“The PHSC program has made me more sensitive to the human elements of medicine,” he added. “As I enter my first year of medical school, I hope to use these skills to advocate for New Mexico's communities.”

Sahar Alahyari Beig joined the second PHSC cohort over a decade after graduating college. She highlighted how valuable she found learning about New Mexico’s communities and cultures through this program.

“Be prepared to experience a whole new way of learning,” Beig advised future participants.

Applications remain open until August 1, 2024. Courses include "Meanings and Culture in Health and Illness," "Integrating Psychology and Medicine," "Critical Thinking, Learning and Problem Solving for Health Professionals," "Communication in Action for Health Professions," and "Pre-Health Observational Learning."

The program offers financial aid eligibility with prerequisites including general chemistry, biology, English courses, Intro to Psychology (PSY1110), Intro to Statistics (Math1350 or Psych2150), junior standing (60 credit hours), and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions can be petitioned directly with the director.

To apply or seek further information about PHSC courses or eligibility requirements visit hsc.unm.edu/prehealth or contact HSCPreHealth@salud.unm.edu or call 505-994-5000.

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