Dear Colleagues,
For decades, the Mizzou School of Medicine has been a national leader in pathway programs. From longstanding initiatives like the Lester R. Bryant Scholars Pre-Admission Program to newer ones like the Physician Engineers Pre-Admission (PEN) Program, these efforts help develop the next generation of physicians for Missouri and beyond.
Pathway programs are designed to introduce students — from grade school through college — to opportunities available in the medical profession. For undergraduates, they also provide guidance, mentorship, clinical exposure and a clearer understanding of the path to medical school.
A Proven Path to Medicine
One of the most successful examples at the School of Medicine is the Bryant Scholars Program, established more than 30 years ago to address Missouri’s physician workforce needs, particularly in rural communities.
Students from rural Missouri can apply to the Bryant Scholars Program in the spring of their sophomore year. Those selected receive mentoring, clinical observation opportunities, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) tutoring and support to strengthen their readiness for medical school. Upon completing their undergraduate studies and meeting the School of Medicine’s admissions criteria, they matriculate as first-year medical students.
While the Bryant Scholars Program is the longest running, it is not the School of Medicine’s only pathway program. The Pathways to Success (PAWS) Pre-Admission Program debuted in 2018, and Springfield Pre-Admission Programs are in the works for 2027.
Engineering A New Path
Building on the success of our other pathway programs, the School of Medicine is launching one aimed at a different group of future physicians: engineering students.
While most premedical students major in biology or chemistry, engineers bring a unique perspective to medicine. Their training emphasizes systems thinking, innovation and complex problem-solving — skills that are increasingly valuable in health care.
To build on those strengths, the School of Medicine has established the PEN Program for sophomore engineering students at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri University of Science and Technology. Selected students will gain medical exposure with an engineering-focused twist on the PAWS Program. They’ll meet physicians who began their careers as engineers, engage with biomedical researchers and gain firsthand insight into how engineering principles are shaping advancements in diagnostics and patient care.
After several years of program planning and development, we are pleased to announce the admission of our first four PEN scholars, all rising juniors in engineering programs at the University of Missouri-Columbia — Asrith Vallabha Amaravadi of Naperville, Ill., Robert “Riley” Dycus of Centralia, Mo., Emma Herrmann of Chesterfield, Mo., and Luke Snyder of Wildwood, Mo. These students will be recognized at a welcome reception attended by the faculty and staff who have helped to bring this exciting program to life.
The PEN Program is yet another example of the University of Missouri’s commitment to developing tomorrow’s health care professionals. By expanding opportunities aligned to our mission to serve all Missourians, we are strengthening the physician workforce and advancing our mission: to save and improve lives.
Sincerely,
Rick Barohn, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean, School of Medicine
rbarohn@health.missouri.edu
