Perspectives of First-Generation, Underserved, and Rural Students in STEM to Medical School Community of Practice Program

Objective: First-generation, rural, and underserved students encounter challenges in attaining higher education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This study focused on understanding the impact of Undergraduate Students Together Reaching Instructional Diversity and Excellence (U-SSTRIDE)’s Community of Practice’s (CoP) integrated approach to social, cultural, academic, leadership, professional development, and experiential learning to help students overcome barriers and succeed as premedical students, medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, including qualitative interviews with U-SSTRIDE participants, which consisted of premedical students, medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. Thematic coding was used to identify personal and professional development themes. Quantitative data, including race, gender, and first-generation/disadvantaged status, were analyzed for correlations between demographic factors and academic success. Results: Responses were analyzed from 75 participants. Most of the sample reported as male (53%), Black (60%), having grown up with disadvantages (72%). Thematic analysis yielded three psychosocial and leadership development themes: Camaraderie, Personal Development, and Mentorship. The reported benefits gained from the U-SSTRIDE included the following themes regarding leadership development: (a) Professional, (b) Personal, (c) Academic, and (d) Soft Skills. Discussion: The findings underscored the importance of structured mentorship and a holistic CoP framework in supportingstudents from historically limited-access backgrounds in their academic and professional success. U-SSTRIDE’s emphasis on leadership, experiential learning, and collaborative support helped participants develop resilience, overcome psychological barriers, and succeed as premed students, residents, and practicing physicians. The study findings highlighted the need for similar educational pipeline programs to expand access and strengthen the physician workforce.