The impact of surgical research pipeline programs on underrepresented minority high school and undergraduate students’ career development

Background: Underrepresented minority (URM) students often face barriers to accessing resources and opportunities in healthcare fields. Research pipeline programs aim to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities that help students navigate these challenges. However, few studies have reviewed the impact of these programs from the student's perspective. In this study, we examined the impact of a single institutions' two surgical research pipeline programs for either minority high school students: Pre-College Research Internship for Students from Minority Backgrounds (PRISM) or undergraduate students: Surgery Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). Methods: With IRB approval during June–October 2023, we administered surveys to former participants (2017–2022) of our institutional surgery-focused pipeline programs. These initiatives aim to connect academic surgeons with students from underrepresented minority backgrounds who have an interest in healthcare, actively involving them in research, lectures, and shadowing experiences in surgical clinical settings. Surveys were adapted from previously validated metrics to measure resiliency, self-efficacy, belonging in health care, and strength of mentorship as well as overall impact of the program after completion. Results were analyzed via Likert scale [0–5] with scores 3 or higher indicating agreement. Results: A total of 40 PRISM and SURE participants completed the self-administered survey, resulting in a 60 ​% response rate. Of the respondents, 47 ​% identified as African American, 3 ​% as Hispanic, and 3 ​% as Native American. Four participants (10 ​%) were current high school students, while the majority (90 ​%, n ​= ​36) were undergraduate students. Among PRISM participants, 71.0 ​% (n ​= ​9 African American, n ​= ​1 Hispanic) selected pre-medicine as their intended academic track. All SURE participants successfully gained admission to college. Overall, 93 ​% of participants reported that the program increased their understanding of what it takes to become a healthcare professional, and 85 ​% felt more empowered to pursue a career in the field. Additionally, 88 ​% stated that the program helped them find mentorship and guidance and enhanced their leadership skills. Interest in research increased for 83 ​% of participants, and 93 ​% reported a stronger sense of belonging in the medical field, along with improved self-efficacy. Conclusion: Leadership investment in surgical research pipeline programs is crucial, as it provides the resources, support, and long-term commitment necessary to establish and sustain these initiatives. Such programs play a critical role in removing barriers to entry, sparking interest in healthcare careers, and fostering the skills and confidence needed for success among underrepresented minorities.