Healthcare Careers Opportunity Program | College of Medicine | Florida Atlantic University
From Middle School to Medical School
Collaborating with the School District of Palm Beach County, local organizations, university partners, and our faculty, staff, and students, the College of Medicine has developed HCOP. HCOP provides students with lessons and activities focusing on biological sciences, career exploration, and clinical exposure while enhancing their college preparedness through coaching, financial literacy, mentoring, professional skills, and research exposure. Participation in HCOP is selective and determined through partnerships with the School District of Palm Beach County and FAU College of Science.
Middle school students enrolled in Medical Academy Choice programs in Palm Beach County visit FAU to participate in activities at the Schmidt College of Medicine Clinical Skills Simulation Center. These activities enhance classroom lessons on anatomy and clinical skills, fostering confidence in biological science knowledge. Facilitated by our medical students, staff, and faculty, activities progressively challenge students as they advance in the program.
HCOP activities for high school students build on knowledge and lessons from their middle school field trips to the college’s state-of-the-art training facilities. Participants receive mentoring from medical students and engage in workshops on essay writing, resume construction, financial aid, and research.
In partnership with the FAU Schmidt College of Science, the College of Medicine engages pre-health students with access to the college's resources and highlights the multidisciplinary nature of healthcare teams. The program also offers resources and individualized support for undergraduate students pursuing healthcare, medical, and biological research education tracks.
Medical Students and Community Engagement
The College of Medicine provides opportunities for our medical students and our community to collaborate through academic service learning, research, and outreach program leadership positions.
The COM Foundations of Medicine Service Learning Program links second-year medical students with community partner organizations. Students can choose projects focused on the health, wellness, and education of families and children from Pre-K through young adulthood. This course aims to enhance our students' humanism and professionalism in patient care while strengthening their connection with the community.
First-year medical students can apply to become Healthcare Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Medical Student Leaders. Those selected lead patient simulations, anatomy activities, and workshops for students in grades 6-12. Their responsibilities include creating, coordinating, and executing educational enrichment, exposure, access, and mentoring components of our programs. This leadership role helps medical students develop interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills while giving back to the community. In addition, FAU College of Science Pre-Health students are involved in an extended program, which supports select undergraduates pursuing careers in medicine or medical research.
Both Service Learning experiences and HCOP offer medical students valuable research opportunities within the community. Building on relationships developed during Service Learning, students can conduct original, longitudinal research on program efficacy and outcomes. HCOP Medical Student Leaders are particularly positioned to submit qualitative reviews and descriptive articles highlighting program successes.