Purpose
The purpose of the EMPACT is to provide students who self-identify as historically underrepresented in medicine (URiM) and/or those who may come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with experiences that foster timely and successful matriculation through medical school. The mission of EMPACT is to Engage, Mentor, Prepare, Advocate for, Cultivate, and Teach URiM medical students in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Program Description
Program Framework
EMPACT groups M1s and M2s who are historically excluded in medicine along with M3s and M4s of similar backgrounds, plus a faculty mentor of color. Collaborative efforts with EUSOM’s Careers in Medicine program and academic advisors enhance the overall mentoring experience by providing career counseling and academic support services to participants in the program. This framework is primarily modeled after the Emory SNMA Family Groups mentoring program which combines key elements of the SNMA Family Groups with connection to student support services/resources available within the Emory community.
Our Events
Learners participating in the EMPACT program can expect a fall orientation speed mentoring event/mixer and an end-of-year wrap-up session and awards ceremony. Throughout the year, workshops are also held on topics such as:
- Maintaining wellness during medical school
- Microaggressions and bystander training
- Overcoming imposter syndrome
- CV building
- Best practices on mentoring
- Mock residency interviews
Program Goals
In support of EUSOM’s diversity policy, and in alignment with the school’s diversity goals, the EMPACT program assists in the recruitment, development, support and engagement of diverse learners. The program aims to:
1
Address the unique needs of underrepresented minorities in medicine
2
Strengthen social support with structured mentoring relationships for students underrepresented in medicine
3
Foster a sense of community
4
Help mitigate barriers to underrepresented minorities in medicine adapting to the culture of medicine
5
Foster personal and professional growth
Program Leadership and Evaluation
EMPACT operates under the Center for Holistic Student Success (CHSS) in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) and the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) and is led by Dr. Jason Cobb, Program Director, and Dr. Nerlyne "Nely" Jimenez, Assistant Program Director. EMPACT leadership works with students and mentors to create safe spaces within our community to thrive and grow while also collaborating with administrators of the Careers in Medicine Program and UME Academic Advisors, to identify resources and create a referral process for students. In partnership with CHSS and OMA, Drs. Cobb and Jimenez assess and evaluate the program’s effectiveness through surveys and direct observation and feedback on how the program could be further structured to best serve students and foster relationships amongst the students and faculty.
