This summer, over 200 9th-12th grade students attended a 1-week pre-college program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill called Outset. Outset is a program designed for high school students aspiring to enter the medical field.

During the week, students explored a medical career of their choice: surgery, pediatrics or primary care. In addition, students built confidence in the pre-med path through deep-dive sessions about how to succeed as a pre-med in college. Outset now operates on multiple college campuses.

The results and testimonials from the program speak for themselves, but let's dive deeper into why Outset is quickly becoming the program of choice for aspiring pre-medical students.

How does Outset give you an edge?

The 2024 summer program at UNC-Chapel Hill welcomed 204 students from across the United States, each selected through a competitive process involving applications, interviews, and teacher references. The students were from highly diverse backgrounds, with strong academics: 98% had a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Outset's curriculum is structured around three core segments of the day—morning, afternoon, and evening—each designed to address different aspects of the medical profession. Every aspect of the day is crafted with the mission to prepare the next generation of American physicians and healthcare workers.

Top physicians like Stanford's George Bugarinovic, M.D., the Outset Chief Medical Officer, helped design the Outset curriculum, blending real-world experience with medical educational innovation.

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Mornings: Head Start on Pre-Med

Each morning, students engaged in sessions that debunked common myths about the pre-med journey. Outset built these sessions in consultation with top college pre-med advisors at leading universities. The sessions give high schoolers up-to-date and factual insights about succeeding as a pre-med. This helped students build confidence and make informed decisions about their pre-med path.

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Afternoon: Hands-On Medical Skills

Afternoons were reserved for experiential learning, where students participated in simulations similar to those encountered by medical students in their early years. These sessions included activities like suturing, intubation, and ultrasound, facilitated by a team of faculty, residents, and medical students, providing a realistic glimpse into the daily life of a healthcare professional.

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‍Evenings: Building Friendships

The educational rigor of the program was balanced with evening activities that fostered community and relaxation. Students enjoyed local outings, sports events, and dining experiences, which played a crucial role in building lasting friendships and networking opportunities.

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Numbers Don't Lie: alumni feedback

The Outset program was highly successful, and here are a few statistics around the impact from student feedback: 

• 86% of alumni reported that Outset significantly increased their interest in a healthcare career.
• 98% of alumni increased in their understanding of the pre-med path.
• 77% of alumni expressed an increased interest in attending UNC-Chapel Hill for their pre-med studies.

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Why 9th-12th Graders Should Consider Outset

For high school students exploring a future in medicine, Outset offers an invaluable preview into the medical field that goes beyond traditional education. It provides:

• Real-World Medical Skills: Through simulations and hands-on activities that offer a practical, immersive experience.
• Career Clarity: Helping students make informed decisions about their educational and career paths.
• Networking Opportunities: Connecting students with professionals and like-minded peers, building a supportive community.

Outset is more than just a summer program—it is a stepping stone to a promising future in healthcare. The program's blend of educational rigor, hands-on experience, and exciting activities makes it a great investment for any high school student serious about a career in medicine. As Outset prepares to expand in 2025, including full scholarships for financially needy yet academically promising students, its commitment to accessibility and excellence remains clear. For those looking to make informed, confident steps toward a medical career, Outset is undoubtedly the program to choose.