Largest class of NU PATHS students graduate from UNMC

This year, UNMC graduated nine students from the Nebraska University Pre-Admission to Health Science (NU PATHS) program — the largest class since the program began in 2001.

NU PATHS is a collaborative program between UNMC and the other University of Nebraska campuses to identify students interested in health care or research careers who have demonstrated a special interest in practicing in medically underserved urban areas.

NU PATHS Grads Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR. The slideshow above features images of UNMC’s recent NU PATHS graduates.

NU PATHS students receive full tuition scholarship and supportive programs at their undergraduate campus and — upon timely and satisfactory completion of their undergraduate prerequisites — guaranteed admission to the program at UNMC for which they were selected.

“I’m so grateful for this program, which allows me to graduate as a qualified professional from a health care institution without the huge burden of undergraduate and medical school debt,” said Olamide Alabi, M.D., a graduate from UNMC’s College of Medicine. “It means I can follow my passion and care for patients in underserved communities as opposed to concentrating on my financial status post-graduation.”

The nine who graduated this year — four medical students, two dental students, two pharmacy students and a nursing student — may have come to UNMC from different campuses but they all have passion for caring for medically underserved communities.

By the numbers This year’s NU PATHS graduating class was composed of: Four medical students; Two dental students; Two pharmacy students; and One nursing student.

“Many of these students began participating in summer research programs at UNMC during their early undergraduate school years, so, we have known them for a long time,” said Mary McNamee, Ph.D., UNMC assistant vice chancellor in the Office of Student Equity and Multi-cultural Affairs. “It has been a joy to see them develop academically and celebrate their continued commitment to community outreach in Nebraska.”

Studies indicate that students from diverse backgrounds enhance the health care educational learning environment and are more likely to serve patients from their communities, Dr. McNamee said. Communities with health care providers who understand a patient’s culture and circumstances not only benefit patients but also improve access to care and reduce health disparities, she said.