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Pathway to Medicine and Health Programs Revisited: Outcomes and Institutional Adaptations in Greater Philadelphia and Beyond
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Pathway to Medicine and Health Programs Revisited: Outcomes and Institutional Adaptations in Greater Philadelphia and Beyond

Dara Bright, Sarah Hughes and Muir Roshell
Education sciences, v 16(1), 170
22 Jan 2026
Featured in Collection :   Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
url
https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16010170View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access Discount via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2025CC BY V4.0 Open

Abstract

Academic Aptitude Access to Health Care Admission Criteria Allied Health Occupations Education College Admission Curricula Database Management Systems Databases Evidence Geographic Distribution Geographic Location Guidelines Health Occupations Health Programs High Achievement Information Seeking Literature Reviews Medical Evaluation Medical research Medical schools Meta Analysis Outcomes of Education Professions Program Design Program Implementation Researchers Students Academic Achievement Nursing
This scoping literature review examines the outcomes and institutional adaptations of pathway programs designed to increase diversity in medical and allied health professions. These programs address systemic barriers faced by students from underrepresented (UR) backgrounds through a targeted focus on improving their academic performance and preparedness for healthcare careers. Utilizing a scoping approach, peer-reviewed publications from 2014 to March 2024 were analyzed, focusing on pathway programs within the United States. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, no formal quality appraisal was conducted. The review highlights the geographical distribution of these programs, particularly in the Greater Philadelphia area, and evaluates their success rates and key components, such as mentorship, academic support, and clinical exposure. Key thematic findings include the importance of sustained mentorship, financial and emotional support, early exposure to health careers, and comprehensive academic preparation. The study also discusses the recent implications of the Supreme Court rulings on race-conscious admissions and the resulting institutional strategies to maintain diversity within legal constraints. By providing a comprehensive overview of the literature, this review aims to inform the development and implementation of pathway programs that can improve diversity in the healthcare workforce.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#4 Quality Education

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Education & Educational Research
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