University of Iowa

Overview

SHPEP Iowa is pleased to offer an enriching six-week experience through our Health Science Colleges.  Our Health Sciences Colleges include the Carver College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy, and College of Public Health. We strongly believe in the value of exposing students who are underrepresented in health professions to the possibility of pursuing their dreams and supporting their goals to help improve the culture of health.

Through in-depth experiences scholars in our program will learn about a variety of pathways available in the healthcare field to help them decide which career they would like to pursue. Additionally, the students will have opportunities to improve study techniques, find mentors, build support systems, and enhance professional communication and networking skills. Each scholar will take one non-credit basic science course (Anatomy/Physiology, Physics, or Organic Chemistry) to help prepare for future enrollment in these courses. Scholars will also learn how to best work in healthcare teams with our Interprofessional Education curriculum. Scholars will work with hands-on materials such as suturing kits, dental molds, pharmacy compounding kits and participate in various experiential learning activities. There will also be a “switch week” where scholars can engage with other tracks in the program.

SHPEP Iowa students are provided a strong foundational understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion through sessions on topics such as implicit bias, intersectionality, imposter syndrome, and social determinants of health.

COVID-19 Institution Policies:

Masks are welcome for all indoor activities at this site

COVID vaccine is strongly encouraged

More information regarding the campus COVID-19 policies: https://coronavirus.uiowa.edu/

Clinical Experience: There will be clinical shadowing and opportunities for  volunteer service with an underserved communities  through the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic. Please note this component is limited to five percent of the program experience.

Health Profession Tracks Offered:

• Medical
• Dental
• Pharmacy
• Public Health

Finances

Meals: A $600 food allowance will be provided at the beginning of the program.

Stipend: Two installments of  $500 disbursed on week 1 and week 4 of the program.

Travel: Students will be able to apply for need-based travel assistance. For those bringing a vehicle, complimentary parking passes will be provided for the Hancher Parking Lot. Additionally, both the free campus bus system and the Iowa City public buses are available as transportation options in Iowa City.

Living

Housing: Students will be given free housing in Petersen Residence Hall.

Social Activities: Activities will include a welcome reception, talent show, amusement park trip, ropes course, , graduation reception, and a reunion event where scholars can network with SHPEP alumni. There will also be a variety of Iowa City community events, including Pride, Juneteenth, Jazz Fest, free outdoor movies, and the Iowa City Block Party. Each scholar is given a summer pass to our state-of-the-art Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. There will also be elections for leadership positions in which scholars can plan and execute events independently with program support.