Access-Med
According to the 2000 US Census and Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans represent about 26 percent of the U.S. population but comprise less than 14 percent of our country's physicians1. The significant talent in these underrepresented groups is greatly needed to help deliver quality health care to all citizens and to make breakthroughs in biomedical science. 
Access-Med is a consortia program for undergraduates offered by Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. It was designed to provide academic enrichment, support, and counseling for groups currently underrepresented in medicine. Participants also receive career guidance and assistance in submitting applications to medical schools.
One of the most exciting features of Access-Med is the opportunity to gain early admission to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) in the senior year at Rutgers University. Students admitted to this "transitional year" of Access-Med take courses at RWJMS and Rutgers University, simultaneously completing the B.A. degree requirements and earning credits toward the M.D. degree.
The transitional courses taken at RWJMS may include biochemistry, human genetics, microbiology/immunology, nutrition, and/or anatomy. These courses may be approved for Rutgers University credit through the Division of Life Sciences.
Academic Support and Enrichment Activities:
- Group sessions in math and science provided by the Success in the Sciences program.
- Academic advising and individual academic planning
- Scholarship and internship information
Enrichment activities and greater exposure to the medical profession are offered through:
- All-day conferences at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School on topics such as gene therapy, sports medicine, cardiology, and forensic pathology.
- Workshops at Rutgers University on health-related issues such as diabetes, AIDS/HIV, cancer, sickle cell anemia, etc.
- Access-Med participants may gain experience in biomedical research by undertaking projects with faculty at Rutgers University or RWJMS.
- Academic enrichment (with college credits) in the summers is available through the jointly-sponsored Biomedical Careers Program (BCP).
1. Castillo-Page, L., Zhang, K., Steinecke, A., Beaudreau, J., Moses, A., & Terrell, C. (2005). Minorities in Medical Education: Facts & Figures 2005. Association of American Medical Colleges, Spring 2005.
