PULSE check - Summer success at CMSRU
July 15, 2024
As summer draws to a close, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) proudly celebrates the completion of its Pre-urban Medical Leaders Summer Enrichment (PULSE) program. Over the past six weeks, undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds have embarked on a transformative journey, gaining invaluable insights into the healthcare profession and making a meaningful impact on urban health needs.
The PULSE program is a comprehensive summer academic enrichment initiative designed for undergraduate students pursuing healthcare careers. Through a carefully curated curriculum, PULSE provides students with academic, clinical, research, and service learning opportunities, all focused on addressing the pressing health needs of urban communities. The primary goal is to offer exposure to medical professions for students from underrepresented and/or educationally and financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
PULSE is an intensive, full-day program that runs five days a week for six weeks. During this time, students engage in a variety of activities, including academic enrichment, clinical experience, research projects, and service learning.
The highlight of the PULSE program is the annual PULSE Poster Symposium, where students can showcase their hard work and dedication. At this culminating event, students present posters detailing their summer work or research projects to an audience of faculty, family, and friends. The symposium not only celebrates the students' achievements but also provides them with a platform to communicate their findings and experiences.
PULSE is unlike any other
“PULSE is not easy–it’s like trying to drink water from a fire hydrant,” said Dr. Guy Hewlett, MD, Associate Dean for Diversity & Community Affairs, in his closing statements. “PULSE students will learn biology, biochemistry, and anatomy—a rare experience in the college program. They work next to physicians and see what it’s like to be part of this environment. They learn much more than just the content, but how to act professionally in these settings.”
Samantha Morgan - Phase III PULSE student
“When I first started PULSE, I was quiet. PULSE has helped me get out of my shell and become comfortable with public speaking. I have seen my growth from attending PULSE Phase II and now completing Phase III. I am so thankful for PULSE introducing me to this new version of myself. PULSE has given me so much guidance, newfound confidence, relationships and connections, and experiences I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else! I am more confident to continue on my medical journey because of PULSE and Ms. Taruna, and I am forever grateful.”
Lara Calado Tenorio Ferreira de Melo - Phase III PULSE student
“PULSE has really opened my eyes. I have this dream of becoming a doctor but as an immigrant, I had no idea how to attain it. I heard about PULSE at school in 2022, it was a quick mention but it immediately caught my attention. A summer program for pre-medical students, that was exactly what I needed. I applied and got accepted, that was the first honor I received from the PULSE team. I participated in Phase II in 2023, it was six weeks of epiphany. Every second I spent in the building poured information into me like a waterfall. I was awarded, I was seen and I learned I had to work a lot as I was at ground zero, and so I did.
I spent my fall of 2023 working on research and clinical experience. When it came time to apply to PULSE, I applied again. I was accepted and it started again. Drinking from this fountain of knowledge that not only taught me textbook knowledge but things beyond that. How to use study techniques for exams, how to interpret the questions in said exams, how to be professional, how to interview, how to write your medical school application, how to be a good doctor, how to value the mission you have at Cooper Medical School.
PULSE is more than what I could have asked and exactly what I needed. I feel guided, seen, understood and most of all inspired to be like them. I am inspired to be more than a doctor but an educator, a friend, a bridge. May I be an inspiration to many like Ms. Taruna is. May I be patient with people like Dr. Hewlett is. May I be wise about people like Dr. Mitchell-Williams is. May I see potential in people like Dean Reboli does. May I be kind to people like the security guards. May I want to serve like Jaden Johnson or Miguel Vera do.
All I have in my heart towards the PULSE program, CMSRU, the deans, directors, TAs, and everyone involved in making this program possible is gratitude. The dimension of their work knows no bounds. I am certain many lives have been changed and thousands more still will be touched by the work they do. Even if my path takes longer than I imagined, I am thankful for all. As I have learned with the people in this program, the preparation takes a long time so we are ready when it is time to act.”
As we celebrate the successful conclusion of another PULSE program, we are reminded of the importance of providing opportunities for underrepresented and disadvantaged students to pursue their dreams in the healthcare field. The knowledge and experiences gained through PULSE will undoubtedly shape these students' futures, guiding them as they continue their journeys toward becoming compassionate, skilled, and community-focused healthcare professionals.
For more information on the PULSE program and to learn how you can get involved, please visit our website. To view more photos, click here. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of our PULSE students as they strive to make a difference in their communities and beyond.