Paths of Excellence

Going Deeper

Challenges in how we address and deliver health care demand concentration of efforts in specific areas. To prepare you to become an agent of change in these fields, we have created Paths of Excellence.

In each Path, students can expect to:

  • Connect with an advisor.
  • Engage in specialized experiences.
  • Develop substantive skills and knowledge in their field.
  • Network with other professionals.
  • Refine leadership talents.
  • Complete a Capstone for Impact project that reflects their personal interest in the field and fulfills the graduation requirement.

Our current Paths of Excellence focus on the below areas:

Determining Your Path

The Paths of Excellence have seven interdisciplinary options. Students can learn more about a Path they are interested in during the first few months of medical school. About halfway through the M1 year, students can choose to join a Path. Reasons for joining often include: gaining knowledge and skills not found in the required curriculum; creating or expanding a professional network in that part of medicine; and creating a Capstone for Impact project based on your Path experience.

Approximately 80-90% of our M1s join a Path of Excellence each year.

Interested students will submit a short application during a designated time period. The application typically includes a current CV and a short essay (average of 350 words) that discusses:

  • Path choice (if torn between 2, students can list choice #1, choice #2).
  • Personal and professional reasons for selecting the Path(s).
  • Background information or past experiences that may add to the Path community.
  • Desired Capstone for Impact focus or areas they would be interested in exploring.

Application information is used to help Path Directors create a good fit for the student both in terms of a Path of Excellence and an assigned Path Advisor.