Creating Urban Health Leaders: A Longitudinal Approach to  Medical  Student Development

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Published: Apr 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5750/jmer.v5i1.2432
Keywords:
medical education program evaluation urban health medical student mentorship

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Zherui Xuan
School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
Ever Mkonyi
Center for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
Lisa C. Navracruz
Center for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
Kelli Qua
Center for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

Abstract

Introduction: Many medical students begin with a passion for serving urban communities, but few pursue such careers, exacerbating urban health disparities. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Urban Health Pathway (UHP) established in 2015 at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine to address the problem. The UHP aims to provide medical students with urban health experiences, including didactics, hands-on rotations, and mentorship.
Methods: From 2015 to 2022, 44 students graduated from UHP. Of those, 15 alumni completed a follow-up survey in 2023, and 24 students submitted detailed self-reflective portfolios at graduation. The longitudinal impact of the UHP was assessed using programmatic data, portfolios, and a follow-up survey. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were employed.
Results: The UHP significantly influences students’ career aspirations, fostering a strong commitment to working with medically vulnerable populations. Graduates highly valued the mentorship offered by the pathway and reported UHP as instrumental in shaping career choices and reinforcing their dedication to under-resourced urban communities.
Discussions: The UHP provides essential support for students interested in serving under-resourced populations. Implementing similar programs in other medical schools could help meet the growing need for urban healthcare providers, ultimately reducing health disparities in these communities.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025)
Section
Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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