Early Development

The University of Connecticut School of Medicine began a Post-Baccalaureate Enrichment Program in 1990 to assist the school in recruiting a more diverse medical school class. The program originally featured and continues to emphasize the Program track (for non-traditional applicants who typically pursued non-science collegiate plans and who have since decided to prepare for a medical career). However, opportunities have also been provided to students needing enhancement of upper division science courses and experiential activities, via the Program B track.

The program history reveals exceptional results with approximately 75-80% of students enrolled and eventually applying who secured positions in professional schools (including placements in MD, DO, Dental, Veterinary, and Physician Assistant programs). Additionally, the Post-Baccalaureate Program has always been viewed as an opportunity to cultivate a more diverse student body including a strong emphasis on the recruitment of students under-represented in American medicine.

Recognizing the need to fully authorize the program as a University Certificate Program, the University obtained Board of Trustees approval to secure Certificate status for the PB Program in 2013. Beginning in January 2014, the Enrichment Programs Office at the main campus in Storrs assumed overall program administration while continuing direct involvement with the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine.

Appreciating the strong lineage of providing matriculants to the professional schools in Farmington, the Post-Baccalaureate Program maintains an enhanced linkage with the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine. Consistent with this emphasis, faculty, advisors, and administration from the undergraduate school, medical school, and dental school remain central to the PB Program’s recruiting, admission, advising, and programming activities.

Tribute

There are many individuals and committed offices that have gained the University of Connecticut’s Post Baccalaureate Program a strong reputation. The Program gained support and was implemented at the School of Medicine in 1990. The key offices involved in the collaborative effort were the School of Medicine’s Admission Office, the Health Career Opportunity Programs Office, and the Chemistry Department at the main campus. Key contributors were Dr. Boake Plessy (HCOP), Dr. Marja Hurley (HCOP), Dr. John Tanaka (Chemistry), and  the Admissions Committee at the School of Medicine. Subsequently, Drs. Kendall and Wikholm from the Storrs Campus, Dr. Grimm-Jorgensen from the School of Medicine, Dr. Thibodeau at the School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Zeff at the School of Medicine, and several Chairpersons from the School of Medicine were central to the program’s success and development. We wish to extend a special tribute to Dr. John Tanaka (Chemistry) who counseled and worked with the students and the professional schools since the program’s onset to his passing in 2012. Without John’s energy, enthusiasm, and tireless follow-through, the program would not have enjoyed its remarkable success.