Morehouse School of Medicine Surgery Reach Program
The MSM Surgery Reach Program is an early exposure and mentorship program that aims to introduce underrepresented high school students from the Atlanta Metropolitan area to health professional careers. The program was created from the idea that many capable and talented students lack early opportunities for direct exposure to pathways into a multitude of healthcare professions. Our goal is to help these students achieve their dreams through experiences that will open their minds to the options that lay before them, and to give them an early understanding of the paths to success in healthcare. By doing so we hope to continue Morehouse School of Medicine’s commitment to lead the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice for our community and world.
Previously named “Reach One Each One”, the program was spearheaded over ten years ago by Dr. Omar Danner and the Department of Surgery with the support of Grady Health System. Participants of Reach have come from numerous high schools around the metro area and since its inception, over two hundred students have graduated from the program. The program has continued to evolve to meet the needs of our students and since 2021 has employed virtual sessions as well.
Currently directed by Dr. Brandon Henry, the program has a hybrid format consisting of four virtual sessions and four in person sessions. The weekly, graduated, sessions include (but are not limited to):
- Overviews of the paths to medical school and health professional schools
- Panels discussions with undergraduate and professional school students,
- Advice from medical trainees in various stages of residency and fellowship
- Basic CPR and physical exam skills training
- Surgical skills sessions (knot-tying, suturing, etc.)
- Tours of Morehouse School of Medicine and Morehouse Healthcare facilities
- Financial Literacy and planning seminars
The Reach Program culminates with a graduation ceremony in the final to celebrate the beginning of our participant’s journey to healthcare success. The program will run from mid-April to mid-June.
Selection Criterion:
- Submitted completed application with Guardian/Parents' Permission prior to deadline.
- Written essay about why the student would like to participate in the program.
- Submitted letter of good standing from counselor/mentor/coach at current school
- Approved vaccination(s)/health status requirements (if needed by on-site facilities)
For more information about MSM Surgery Reach, contact our team at surgeryreach@msm.edu.
