Froedtert and MCW Ignite: An Outreach Program to Spark Interest in Health Equity Biomedical Careers

Launching Froedtert & MCW Ignite to address locoregional health inequities through educational opportunities

Full Project Name:Froedtert and MCW Ignite: An Outreach Program to Spark Interest in Health Equity Biomedical CareersPrincipal Investigator:Malika Lisa Siker, MD, Radiation OncologyAward Amount:$50,000

Award Date

January2024

Project Duration:12 months

Project Summary:

Most of Wisconsin’s underrepresented racial and ethnic populations reside in the southeast, central, and northeast parts of the state. Additionally, 25% of Wisconsin’s population lives in rural areas, experiencing more health inequities and negative health outcomes than urban residents do.

Developing a health science workforce that is committed to advancing health equity is crucial to addressing and improving health equity across our state. To do so, this project will create an outreach program, Froedtert & MCW Ignite, to provide immersive education opportunities for K-12 and college students, focusing on partnering with schools in areas with health shortages or inequities. Students will learn about higher education and workforce development programs at Froedtert & MCW, encouraging matriculation and building the health science workforce our communities need to thrive.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Developed a multi-institutional interdisciplinary team to bring high-quality hands-on educational experiences to students from all backgrounds that fills a critical pipeline gap in biomedical career exposure
Launched Froedtert & MCW Ignite, the first of its kind collaborative educational outreach program for middle school, high school, and college students, aimed to increase interest in biomedical careers and connect participants to institutional resources
Reached over 600 students during over 20 events, collaborating with over 100 Froedtert & MCW faculty and staff
Engaged two medical students who presented the findings of our program at two local research forums