About

What is the GHS Medical Experience Academy?

"Our vision is to transform health care for the benefit of the people and communities we serve - and now we're transforming the way we think about the pipeline to careers in health care."

- Michael Riordan, GHS President and CEO 

This is a new initiative launched summer 2010 by the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center (GHS). It represents an important part of our Workforce Development efforts to get more young people into the health care career pipeline. It is also one of the key components of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville Expansion, particularly related to student recruitment.

The GHS Medical Experience Academy will support rising seniors in high school and college undergraduates in preparation for advanced training in healthcare. The academy will serve a dual role as the pipeline for students interested in pursuing a career in health care and attracting students to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville Expansion, Residency and Fellows programs.

The GHS Medical Experience Academy began as a pilot on July 12, 2010 with the launch of Tier 1 with 12 academically talented rising 12th graders from Greenville County Schools. The four week curriculum included educational, experiential, and social activities as well as mentoring and academic tutoring to equip students to make informed career decisions and prepare for continued health care training.

Tier 2 for rising sophomores at Furman University launched this summer (2011) with a small pilot of students. Students will participate in progressive learning experiences which build preparatory skills and aptitudes and guide students’ health career decisions.

The pilot for Tier 3 will launch in 2012. Rising seniors at Clemson University will engage in chosen field clinical/non-clinical, hands-on, research-rich learning experiences.

Students who participate in the program will be offered the opportunity to apply for college scholarships based on merit. They will also be eligible to receive academic credit through our academic partnerships for each Tier level of student participation. Students will receive financial assistance for their participation during the summer program which will provide monetary support to minimize potential economic barriers. Funds will also be made available on an as needed basis for academic development purposes that will help individual students with tutoring needs, test prep such as the SAT or MCATS entry exam, acquisition of materials and equipment, and access to other resources.

Year-long involvement is another goal of the Medical Experience Academy. Students will have opportunities for ongoing involvement that will include activities such as community service, mentoring and ambassadorships.

Our founding pipeline partners are valuable players in this effort. We wish to thank Furman University, Clemson University, Greenville Technical College, The University of South Carolina, and Greenville County Schools. Their work with us on the development of the curriculum development insures proper academic credit can be awarded for each student’s participation. Additionally, we plan to offer certification programs in the future.

Reverberations of the GHS Medical Experience Academy will influence favorably socio-economic, public health, and educational initiatives throughout South Carolina.