摘要：Underrepresented minority (URM) and economically disadvantaged (ED) high schoolstudents are less likely to graduate from high school or enroll in college. This institution began astructured mentorship program focusing on URM and ED students using a surgical simulationlab. The objective was to determine the effect of the mentorship program on students’ pursuit offormal education after high school and perception of their ability to succeed in medicine.MethodsStudents were given lectures by one attending surgeon regarding college admissionrequirements, overcoming socioeconomic and cultural obstacles and sources of funding forcollege. Thereafter, students were brought to the surgical simulation laboratory to participate inbasic surgical skills. Anonymous surveys were completed before and after participation to gaugethe level of self-confidence and likelihood of applying for college. Participation was voluntary.ResultsThirty-two students participated in the program. Seventy-five percent (24/32) werefemale. Sixty-six percent (21/32) were Latino/Hispanic and 34% (11/32) were Black/African-American. Upon completion of the program the average survey score increased significantly forhaving a major chosen for college (p = 0.009), feeling more prepared for the academicobligations of college (p < 0.001) and being interested in a career as a surgeon (p < 0.001).ConclusionMentorship for high-risk students encourages pursuit of post-secondary education.Exposure to surgical simulation can raise a student’s interest in a surgical career. Longitudinalstudies are needed to determine the effects of coupling mentorship and interactive surgicalsimulation on high school graduation rates and the probability of obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
