Summer program rewarding for students and UNMC

As we prepare for one of this year’s rare winter storms, UNMC Today takes a look at one of the medical center’s highly respected summer programs.

The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) allows college freshman and sophomores to take science classes, shadow health care providers and participate in community projects. Perhaps just as important as learning about their chosen profession is learning about UNMC. Dozens of SMDEP alumni are now medical or dental students at UNMC.

Students can now apply to take part in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at UNMC this year.

Below, David Carver, Ph.D., director of counseling and student development, shares his thoughts on the benefit of this program for students and UNMC.

What is unique about UNMC’s program?

For me the greatest strength of the UNMC SMDEP is our extensive use of first year medical students as teaching assistants and resident assistants. The TAs and RAs serve as mentors and role models for the 80 undergraduate scholars that come to Omaha from colleges and universities across the country. Additionally, we were able to recruit and retain highly dedicated and skilled faculty for the program. Most of these faculty members have been with SMDEP for the entire six years.

Share a student success story or favorite memory about the SMDEP program.

The most rewarding aspect of SMDEP is seeing numerous participants go on to become successful medical and dental students. Some of our early SMDEP scholars are now finishing their professional training, including current fourth year medical student, class president, and former Student Regent Jeremy Peterson. Many of our former SMDEP scholars have gone on to serve as TAs and RAs for the program.

Why should faculty get involved or support the program?

Over the years I have been involved in many positive efforts to promote diversity and cultural competency at UNMC. In my opinion, SMDEP has played a major role in shaping our campus culture in a more inclusive direction. The project also exemplifies effective teamwork in that faculty and staff from several different departments and offices work together effectively to make SMDEP happen for six weeks each summer.