Professor Sponsors High School, Undergrad Students in 2 UAMS Health Career Programs
| A pair of community engagement programs in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Division for Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships will be able to accept more students this year thanks to support from a professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics.
David Becton, M.D., a pediatric hematologist and oncologist who treats patients at Arkansas Children’s, has agreed to provide $45,000 in endowed chair discretionary funds to sponsor students in the Pre-Medical Summer Scholars and Summer Research Internship programs over a two-year period.
Becton is the inaugural recipient of Arkansas Children’s Lawrence H. Schmieding Endowed Chair in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, which was established in 2015. He said the UAMS programs are the first of their kind that he’s supported through Arkansas Children’s endowment funds.
David Becton, M.D.
“I have practiced at ACH for almost 40 years since completing my fellowship training, and in that time, I have been very aware of the need for a more diverse population of health care professionals in all medically related fields — especially in some of the underserved areas of our state,” he said.
Both programs fall under the umbrella of UAMS’ Health Career University, an initiative in the Division for Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships that helps students from rural and medically underserved communities gain exposure to health professions and advice on how to get into academic institutions like UAMS.
The Summer Research Internship program, open to high school juniors and seniors and to undergraduate college students, helps participants expand their understanding of health careers by working with mentors to conduct research in laboratory settings. The Pre-Medical Summer Scholars program provides college juniors and seniors with mentorship and assistance as they prepare to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and submit their medical school applications.
Becton took an interest in the programs after meeting students who recently participated, including one who now works in the Arkansas Children’s Pediatric Oncology clinical research program while she pursues a master’s degree and prepares to enter medical school. Becton said he also met with several students in last year’s cohorts.
“What I have seen across the board is incredible enthusiasm among these students,” he said. “They are taking advantage of this opportunity, and I see great things in their futures.”
The Division for Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships plans for the $45,000 to sponsor three students in the Pre-Medical Summer Scholars program and two in the Summer Research Internship program. Brian Gittens, Ed.D., MPA, vice chancellor of Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships, said the division is grateful for the contributions of health professionals who offer mentorship, funding and other resources to ensure students’ success.
“These programs offer an opportunity to uplift and inspire the next generation of health care professionals,” he said. “When mentors make this kind of investment, it can have a tremendous impact in reshaping and expanding students’ aspirations.”
Becton said he encourages others to learn more about the programs and try to support them in any way they can.
“This can only lead to great outcomes for the students and the communities they serve,” he said.