• Kristina Kaljo, Michael T Braun, Ragasnehith Maddula, Catherine C Ferguson, Eliana Bonifacino, and Amy Farkas.
• From the Kern Institute for the Transformation of Medical Education, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
• South. Med. J. 2023 Dec 1; 116 (12): 942949942-949.

ObjectivesUndergraduate college pathway (or pipeline) programs support students' interests as they explore advanced degree and career pathways. Many programs aim to diversify the medical workforce by reducing barriers that may have otherwise prevented desired academic and career goals; however, variability in structure, expectations, benefits, and outcome data exist. This systematic review was conducted to identify and evaluate undergraduate college pathway programs designed to increase the diversity of medical school matriculants.MethodsWe searched Ovid Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus, and the Education Resources Information Center for peer-reviewed, original research publications (1996-2019) describing US pathway/pipeline programs designed for undergraduate-level college students from underrepresented groups to apply and enter medical school. Data extraction included application processes, participant demographics, curricular components, social support systems, mentorship, funding, and program/participant outcomes. We reviewed the journal impact factor to inform us about where articles are being published.ResultsOur full-text review included 137 articles; 25 articles met the inclusion criteria. All of the papers were descriptive, requiring an application, minimum grade point average, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. All of the programs aimed to diversify medicine, yet some could not request identification of race/ethnicity because of changes in affirmative action or legal restrictions when reporting demographics. Women represented the majority of enrollees. The program length varied; all reported having one or a combination of academic enrichment, research, field observation/experience, and mentorship. All of the programs included career development and various supplemental social supports. Only two programs provided comparison data; four reported no outcomes.ConclusionsPathway programs support the acquisition and enhancement of professional skills. Lacking longitudinal or comparison data leads to questions of the long-term impact on diversifying the medical workforce. This article highlights a need for rigorous data collection methods and transparent reporting of participant outcomes to inform programmatic efficacy.

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