Eligibility

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Why does the Tilikum Summer Health Experience at Portland State University require applicants to be citizens or descendants of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe?
The Tilikum Summer Health Experience at Portland State University, offered in partnership with the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE) at Oregon Health and Science University, is designed specifically to support American Indian and Alaska Native students in pursuing careers in health professions. By prioritizing applicants who are citizens or descendants of federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, this program directly addresses the critical need to increase the representation of these communities within the medical and health professions. American Indian and Alaska Native populations are significantly underrepresented in healthcare, which can lead to limited access to culturally informed care and healthcare leaders from these backgrounds. The Tilikum experience aims to equip students with the foundational skills, mentorship, and networks necessary to excel in health professions, empowering them to give back to their communities and contribute to a more inclusive, diverse healthcare workforce.


If I participated in SHPEP, can I also participate in MSIPI?
If you’ve already participated in SHPEP, you won’t be eligible for MSIPI. Although SHPEP and MSIPI are separate programs with distinct approaches, our overarching goal is to maximize our reach and impact by providing opportunities to as many students as possible. Both programs share a commitment to broadening access to health professions for students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring more voices and perspectives are represented in healthcare. By offering these unique and culturally enriched experiences at different institutions, we can better support students from various communities and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse healthcare workforce. This approach allows us to offer tailored support and programming to new students, amplifying our collective impact on health professions education.

Should I apply if my GPA falls slightly below the minimum requirements?
Each program site considers a variety of factors during the admissions process. Students with a slightly lower than 2.5 GPA but who have demonstrated a strong interest in a health profession are encouraged to apply.

I am a high school student who has earned college credits. Can I apply?
MSIPI applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED at the time of their application submission to be eligible for the program.

Can I participate if I am a community college student?
Community college students are eligible for the program if they have not exceeded 60 earned college credits.

Can I participate in MSIPI if I am a junior or senior in college?
MSIPI is exclusively for freshman and sophomore college students, i.e. students with a maximum of 60 earned college credits at the time of their application submission. Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits are not counted toward the 60 earned college credits. Please check the Medical Pathways & Enrichment Opportunities database for other program opportunities if you are not eligible for MSIPI.

Can I participate in MSIPI more than once?
Students can only participate in the program once.