Thirty-three high school students from across the state have spent five weeks this summer learning firsthand what it takes to be a health-care professional, thanks to Med-Start, an innovative summer program offered by the Office of Outreach and Multicultural Affairs of The University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Thirty-three high school students from across the state have spent five weeks this summer learning firsthand what it takes to be a health-care professional, thanks to Med-Start, an innovative summer program offered by the Office of Outreach and Multicultural Affairs of The University of Arizona College of Medicine. Kayhla Cornidez, middle row fourth from left, from Douglas High School is taking part in the program.

Among those participating in the program is Kayhla Cornidez of Douglas High School.

Med-Start is an intensive academic program for Arizona students who will be entering their senior year of high school and who are interested in careers in the health professions.  The program encourages students who are of underrepresented or diverse backgrounds, living in rural areas or are economically disadvantaged to pursue health-care careers by helping them prepare for college life, introducing them to health career opportunities and informing them about educational pathways.

Med-Start is held on The University of Arizona campus in Tucson and at The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix in partnership with Arizona State University in Phoenix.

Several thousand students have participated in Med-Start since 1968 when it was developed on the UA College of Medicine Tucson campus to improve health care in rural and economically disadvantaged areas and to increase the number of minority health-care professionals in Arizona.  In 2004, Med-Start grew to include a second program in Phoenix (then called Maricopa Med-Start (M2), now Med-Start PHOENIX), which initially accepted only Maricopa-area high school students.

“The Med-Start program is an intensive experience in which the students acquire basic medical knowledge while learning about health-care careers,” says Linda K. Don, director, Office of Outreach and Multicultural Affairs at the UA College of Medicine.  “In addition, they’re introduced to college life, which is vital to students entering health professions.”

Med-Start participants explore a variety of health professions, engage in hands-on presentations, and take college-level coursework in chemistry, composition and study skills.

Med-Start TUCSON participants live on campus in a UA residence hall.  Med-Start PHOENIX participants are housed in a residence hall on the ASU campus.

Nineteen students participated in this year’s Med-Start TUCSON and 14 participated in Med-Start PHOENIX.  Both programs were held through July 11.

As Med-Start participants, these students benefit from the legacy of UA College of Medicine Founding Dean Merlin K. “Monte” DuVal, MD.  Dr. DuVal, who died in December 2006, probably is best remembered for his role in shaping the fledgling College of Medicine, from choosing its site and designing the original facility to recruiting faculty and raising funds.  During his tenure in the 1960s and 1970s, he also provided support for numerous programs and initiatives that have contributed to recognition of the College as one of the top medical schools in the West.  Med-Start is one of these programs.  Today, in addition to the summer program, Med-Start also promotes youth exploration of health careers year-round through tours of the UA’s Arizona Health Sciences Center, high school career days, student health events and other activities.

Generous gifts from family and friends established The Merlin K. “Monte” DuVal Memorial Med-Start Endowment, which pays tribute to the founding dean while supporting this vital program.

“The real magic of Med-Start is revealed in the personal stories of career success,” says Linda Don. “Whether the youth who have benefited from Med-Start became direct-care providers or chose career paths outside of the health professions, many have had a tremendous impact on the lives of others.”

As examples, she cites:

Mariana Amaya, MD, a 1992 participant (who also participated in the UA Minority Medical Education Program in 1994) who graduated from the UA College of Medicine in 2001 and practices obstetrics and gynecology in Phoenix.

Ernestine Bustamante, MD, a 1988 participant who graduated from the UA College of Medicine in 1997 and practices obstetrics and gynecology in Phoenix.

Carlos R. Gonzales, MD, a 1970 participant who graduated from the UA College of Medicine in 1981 and is an associate professor with the UA College of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine.  An award-winning family practice physician, he is a leader in addressing the challenges of border health issues.

Evelinda Gonzales, a 2002 participant and daughter of Dr. Carlos Gonzales (see above) who is a member of the UA College of Medicine class of 2011.

Larry Oñate, MD, a 1978 participant who graduated from the UA College of Medicine in 1989 and is a clinical assistant professor with the UA College of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and a resident counselor and psychiatrist with the UA Campus Health Service.  Dr. Oñate also is medical director of the Southern Arizona Mental Health Corp.

Celida Rangel, MD, a 1990 participant who graduated from the UA College of Medicine in 2002 and is a pediatrician in Phoenix.

Dr. Gonzales, one of the original Med-Start students, recalls that the first group was about 20 students – a mix from rural areas, the reservations, South Tucson and South Phoenix. Then a student at Pueblo High School, he said, “I had an inclination to dream about going into medicine, but it was just a major dream.

“Med-Start motivated me,” he added, explaining that he became the first in his family to go on to college. “Without Med-Start, it wouldn’t have happened. I would have worked in the mines or gone into construction.”

For more information about Med-Start, visit the UA College of Medicine Office of Outreach and Multicultural Affairs Web site,  www.diversity.medicine.arizona.edu.