Three of Yakima Valley College’s STEM students have been selected as scholars in the Summer Health Profession Education Program (SHPEP), a national program that aims to increase diversity in health professions and thereby improve access to quality health care. Students Jaspinder Kaur, Andrea Acevedo and Guillermo Verdin will participate in the 6-week enrichment program hosted by the University of Washington.
SHPEP scholars, including Kaur, Acevedo and Verdin, will have opportunities to explore what their unique role will be in improving the health of communities through curricula exploring self-identity, culture and personal strengths in a context presenting a range of health professions.
Each year UW, one of 12 university host sites in the nation, selects 80 students to participate in the program according to Director Nora Coronado. This year represents the second time YVC has three students selected to participate in the program thanks to efforts of the college’s STEM program staff.
“The UW has been so fortunate to have forged a relationship with YVC STEM Academic Intervention Coordinator Cristy Rasmussen. Champions of programs like SHPEP are key to the long-term success of students and are important to increasing diversity in the health professions,” stated Coronado.
The SHPEP involves rigorous academic enrichment through classes that provide a strong knowledge base in foundational sciences and statistics. The curriculum is designed to build on students’ knowledge of the social determinants of health and health disparities through the lens of social justice.
“Part of the joy of directing enrichment programs such as SHPEP is following the students over time to see what their career choices are,” Coronado said. “Many of our students are the first in their families to go to college or consider a career in the health professions so they are often navigating the system with less support and knowledge of the processes. Our goal is to provide students with the tools that will help them become successful.”
SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools.
“I'm drawn to medicine because I'm very passionate about studying the intricacies of the human body and help make a difference in the community,” said Kaur, who is interested in the field of internal medicine but is considering other specialties. Through the SHPEP experience, she looks forward to building her knowledge of medical careers.
“I'm really excited about forming connections with mentors and hardworking healthcare professionals who can guide me on my journey,” said Kaur. “I'm also looking forward to being in an environment surrounded by motivated students who share the same passion as me for medicine.”
Additionally, participating in SHPEP will help Kaur strengthen her academic standards, giving her support, knowledge and hands-on experience that will allow her to succeed in medical school. Kaur will graduate from YVC in June and plans to transfer to Central Washington University where she will pursue a degree in biomedical science.
“Losing both of my grandmothers to illness deepened my desire of becoming a doctor,” said Kaur. “I want to provide a welcoming environment for others, especially underserved communities, ensuring healthcare is accessible to all.”
Kaur also volunteers with the Sikh Community of Yakima, contributing to initiatives that support local communities and foster a sense of brotherhood amongst diverse groups.
“Equality is a core value in Sikhi and I want to embody that in medicine by being able to provide quality care to everyone.”
Verdin is hoping the SHPEP experience will help him enter medical school at the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima to pursue a career in addiction psychiatry.
“I want to help individuals facing challenges similar to those I have encountered in my own life,” said Verdin. “I am drawn to the academic rigor of psychiatry, particularly the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underlying addiction. The intersection of research, clinical practice and patient advocacy excites me, and I look forward to immersing myself in both the scientific and humanistic aspects of the field.”
SHPEP will allow Verdin to begin shadowing professionals in the field, not only to gain firsthand experience but also to develop the skills and discipline necessary to thrive as a medical student.
Each SHPEP site provides scholars with academic enrichment in the basic sciences and math, career development activities, learning and study skills seminars, financial planning, wellness and virtual hands-on activities. The UW’s program is a collaboration of its nationally-ranked schools of medicine, dentistry and public health.
The program begins on June 23 and runs through August 1, 2025. Each student earns a $1,000 stipend distributed in two installments. Students also receive a $100 weekly food supplement.