High school students interested in learning more about osteopathic medicine through hands-on learning experiences with the OsteoCHAMPS pathways program are invited to apply for the free OsteoCHAMPS-UP program that will be held July 26-28. The program is put on through the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. (Photo courtesy by MSUCOM)

MARQUETTE — High school students interested in healthcare will have the chance this summer to learn more about osteopathic medicine through Michigan State University’s OsteoCHAMPS-UP program.

OsteoCHAMPS-Up is one of the newest pathway programs from MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, according to MSU’s website. The program gives high school students in the Upper Peninsula an opportunity to learn more about osteopathic medicine and healthcare careers.

Director of Pathway Programs Mollie Asiedu said in an email that this will be the first year OsteoCHAMPS will launch a branch off program in the Upper Peninsula.

“Participants will become familiar with UP Health System-Marquette and spend time at both the hospital and Northern Michigan University,” Asiedu said.

The free three-day non-residential program will be held July 26-28. The program begins each day at 10 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program.

Students will participate in hands-on learning experiences such as Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, biochemistry experiements, clinical skills and learn from current MSUCOM staff.

“This hands-on program will allow participants to network with physicians, MSUCOM faculty and medical students,” Asiedu said.

Students will be welcomed with MSUCOM scrubs and a future doctor kit including a stethoscope and more.

“Not only will students leave the program with knowledge of the medical field, they will also leave with an understanding of pathways to medical school and, of course, lifelong friendships,” Asiedu said.

Students who are on the fence about participating in the program are encouraged to take the leap and experience the world of osteopathic medicine.

“This three-day non-residential program is a great way to gauge whether a career in medicine is for you, and will save you valuable time and money than trying to figure that out in undergrad,” Asiedu said. “Many students do not have the opportunity to decide if a career as a physician is for them this early in their academic career.”

Pathway programs such as OsteoCHAMPS-UP aim to mitigate the rural physician shortage that hospitals, clinics and community members are facing, Asiedu said.

“Osteopathic medicine was originally developed in rural communities and has retained its primary care orientation, which often leads our graduates to serve in rural communities,” Asiedu said.

She said due to the low number of rural physicians in the U.P., MSUCOM assists and provides more doctors of osteopathic medicine who can serve U.P. communities through pathway programs.

“Many high school students from the U.P. have limited opportunities to attend these kind of enrichment programs due to travel distance and other responsibilities,” Asiedu said. “Therefore, we decided to bring our program to them.”

To apply for the program, visit online at com.msu.edu. Any questions can be directed to Ashley Carmichael at carmic37@msu.edu. Application deadline is 11:59 p.m. May 16.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 248. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.