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Cited by 4Diversity and Career in MedicineMedical Education and AdmissionsCareer Development and Diversity

Impact of the Bronx Community Health Leaders Program for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Prehealth Students

Open access
Robles, Juan, Qadeer, Rubayat, Reyes Adames, Tara, Naqvi, Zoon·2021·Health Equity
DOI 10.1089/heq.2021.0065PMC PMC8665783
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Abstract

Purpose: Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in the health care workforce is a local and national issue. We describe and report on outcomes of a longitudinal service-driven prehealth pathway program in a low-income community intended to address this disparity and increase health equity. Methods: The Bronx Community Health Leaders (BxCHL) is a prehealth pathway program for socioeconomically disadvantaged and underrepresented minority students seeking careers in health care. The program enrolls students in college or college graduates and provides longitudinal near-peer mentorship, exposure to the health care environment, and supports professional development. An academic federally qualified health center serves as the program's home site and learning environment. We conducted surveys and tracked the career advancement of program participants over a 6-year period, 2014–2020. Results: One hundred sixty-eight students participated in BxCHL for >3 months. Of these, 76 students advanced into professional health career programs with 39 direct acceptances and 15 conditional acceptances to medical school programs, 9 nursing, 4 physician assistant, 9 health-related masters level programs, 1 respiratory therapy, and 1 optometry. The direct and overall acceptance (direct and conditional) rate of medical school applicants is 59% and 86%, respectively. The first 11 BxCHL alumni obtained their medical degree. Conclusions: BxCHL's longitudinal service-driven and near-peer mentorship program design represents a replicable model to address health equity by supporting prehealth students from communities with limited access to mentors and professional learning environments in entering the health care workforce and serving their communities of origin.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

The Bronx Community Health Leaders (BxCHL) program is a longitudinal, service-driven, near-peer mentorship prehealth pathway based in a federally qualified health center for socioeconomically disadvantaged and underrepresented minority students. Over 2014–2020, 168 students participated for >3 months and 76 advanced into professional health career programs, including 39 direct and 15 conditional medical school acceptances.

Key findings

  • Of 194 students enrolled from 2014 to 2020, 168 (87%) remained in BxCHL for at least 3 months; 76 advanced into professional health career programs: 39 direct and 15 conditional medical acceptances, 9 nursing, 4 physician assistant, 9 master’s-level programs, 1 respiratory therapy, and 1 optometry.
  • The direct acceptance rate of medical school applicants was 59%, and overall acceptance (direct plus conditional) was 86%; the first 11 BxCHL alumni obtained their medical degree.
  • Survey respondents (64/168, 38% response rate) were predominantly female (66%), Latinx (41%), Black or African American (28%), and Asian (17%); 83% intended to pursue medicine, 69% came from a low-income family, and 59% were first-generation college students.
  • Most students offered direct acceptance (21/27) and/or conditional acceptance (8/10) to medical programs had been in BxCHL for more than 1 year; first-3-month attrition was about 13%, and the model was replicated as South Bronx Community Health Leaders, supporting 25 students.

Methods

  • Program description and longitudinal tracking of BxCHL participants from 2014–2020. BxCHL enrolls college students or college graduates, uses rolling peer selection without academic metric requirements, and provides near-peer mentorship, community service, and professional development at Montefiore Family Health Center, an academic family medicine FQHC.
  • Data sources included enrollment and attendance records to identify all students participating at least 3 months, records of applications to professional health career programs for cycles 2014–2020, and email follow-up with students who left the program. A voluntary, confidential Qualtrics survey was conducted over 12 weeks under IRB approval 2019-10769; survey response rate was 38% (64/168).
  • Students were grouped as active (45), graduate (50), or associate (73) to examine length of participation and career advancement outcomes; results are descriptive, reporting acceptances, matriculation, and survey profile data.

Limitations

  • Stated: low student survey completion limited the ability to compare outcomes of graduate versus associate subgroups more robustly, and the report includes only self-reported academic metrics.
  • Stated: academic metrics are not a competency the program was designed to address directly, though they might be indirectly affected by program expectations.
  • Evident: the design is observational and tracks a single program without a control or comparison group, so causal impact cannot be established; reliance on self-report and contactability, including 22 associates unable to contact, may bias outcome estimates.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1089/heq.2021.0065

Cites

19 of 19 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

16 of 35 cited sources checked · 1 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    The BxCHL program enhances competency-based skills identified by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and most medical schools' holistic admission process, including interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of health care systems, participation in scholarly inquiry, cultural competency, service orientation, and teamwork.

    “The program enhances competency-based skills identified by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and most medical schools' holistic admission process, including interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of health care systems, participation in scholarly inquiry, cultural competency, service orientation, and teamwork.18,19”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [18] Kerrigan N, Akabas MH, Betzler TF, et al. Implementing competency based admissions at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Med Educ Online. 2016; 21: 30000. 26847852 PMC4742465 source

      The paper’s admissions-competencies discussion (section labeled Abstract; no page supplied) identifies communication, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, service, teamwork, and research experience as relevant to Einstein’s holistic admissions approach. It does not evaluate whether the BxCHL program enhances those skills, establish that most medical schools use this approach, or specifically identify knowledge of health care systems as a competency. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [19] Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). What medical schools are looking for: understanding the 15 core competencies. Available at https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/what-medical-schools-are-looking-understanding-15-core-competencies Accessed May 21, 2021.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation

    Exposure to near-peer mentors is known to contribute to the success of socioeconomically disadvantaged and URM students pursuing health care careers.

    “In addition, exposure to near-peer mentors is known to contribute to the success of socioeconomically disadvantaged and URM students pursuing health care careers.9,15”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [9] Laurencin CT, Murray M. An american crisis: the lack of black men in medicine. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2017; 4: 317– 321. 28534304 PMC5909952 source

      In the AAMC Report section (page not provided), the paper says supportive networks aid Black male students’ academic success and that Black physician role models can increase interest in medical careers. It does not specifically address near-peer mentors or establish this benefit for socioeconomically disadvantaged and URM students broadly across health care careers. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [15] Bliss C, Wood N, Martineau M, et al. Exceeding expectations: students underrepresented in medicine at university of Utah Health. Fam Med. 2020; 52: 570– 575. 32931005 source

      The Description (p. not specified) says HS-LEAP gives students a near-peer advisor who mentors them, and defines its URM population to include students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The Conclusions report that the program is associated with student success, but the Discussion explicitly says the observational study cannot establish causation; it does not isolate the contribution of near-peer mentoring. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Interpretationcitation

    BxCHL results are comparable or better than outcomes from similar pathway programs in advancing students to graduate programs and medical school acceptance.

    “These results are comparable or better than outcomes from similar pathway programs in advancing students to graduate programs and medical school acceptance.15,23”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [15] Bliss C, Wood N, Martineau M, et al. Exceeding expectations: students underrepresented in medicine at university of Utah Health. Fam Med. 2020; 52: 570– 575. 32931005 source

      The Results report that HS-LEAP completers attended graduate school at twice the rate of participants, and Table 3 lists six completers who obtained MD degrees. The paper therefore provides outcomes for a similar pathway program, but it does not report a medical-school acceptance rate or compare its outcomes with BxCHL's. The 'comparable or better' judgment is not established by this source alone. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [23] Stephenson-Hunter C, Adames TR, Franco S, et al. Analysis of the curriculum of a summer pipeline program for economically disadvantaged premedical students in the Bronx, NY. J Best Pract Health Prof Divers. 2019; 12: 1– 23.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation

    Access to longitudinal mentorship networks and professional learning environments for URM prehealth students in low-income communities is severely limited.

    “Despite these and other national efforts, access to longitudinal mentorship networks and professional learning environments for URM prehealth students in low-income communities is severely limited.7,14”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [7] Freeman BK, Landry A, Trevino R, et al. Understanding the leaky pipeline: perceived barriers to pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry among underrepresented-in-medicine undergraduate students. Acad Med. 2016; 91: 987– 993. 26650673 source

      The indexed copy's supplemental focus-group script (labeled Abstract; page unavailable) asks students about barriers to medical or dental careers, but does not report their answers. Searches for mentorship, shadowing, and longitudinal access found no passage establishing that such opportunities are severely limited for URM prehealth students in low-income communities. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [14] Upshur CC, Wrighting DM, Bacigalupe G, et al. The Health Equity Scholars Program: innovation in the leaky pipeline. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2018; 5: 342– 350. 28526974 PMC5694706 source

      The Introduction identifies lack of mentoring and role models as barriers for URM students, and the Conclusions and Recommendations describe traditional programs whose requirements limit some URM students’ participation. These passages support the general concern about access, but do not establish that longitudinal mentorship networks and professional learning environments are severely limited specifically for URM prehealth students in low-income communities. Page numbers were not provided in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Most programs that offer these opportunities are longitudinally constrained by administrative costs and support for students.

    “Most programs that offer these opportunities are longitudinally constrained by administrative costs and support for students.15,16”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [15] Bliss C, Wood N, Martineau M, et al. Exceeding expectations: students underrepresented in medicine at university of Utah Health. Fam Med. 2020; 52: 570– 575. 32931005 source

      The Abstract describes the majority of pipeline programs as summer programs, while the Funding section and Original Articles discussion document student stipends, administrative salary support, and significant costs for the four-year HS-LEAP program. These passages do not establish that administrative costs and student support constrain most programs longitudinally. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [16] Fritz CD, Press VG, Nabers D, et al. SEALS: an innovative pipeline program targeting obstacles to diversity in the physician workforce. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2016; 3: 225– 232. 27271062 source
  • May combine two claims. 27
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 35

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These barriers include lack of mentors and role models, and unfamiliarity with this career path.

    “These barriers include lack of mentors and role models, and unfamiliarity with this career path.6,7”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [6] Agrawal JR, Vlaicu S, Carrasquillo O. Progress and pitfalls in underrepresented minority recruitment: perspectives from the medical schools. J Natl Med Assoc. 2005; 97: 1226– 1231. 16296213 PMC2594778
    • cites [7] Freeman BK, Landry A, Trevino R, et al. Understanding the leaky pipeline: perceived barriers to pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry among underrepresented-in-medicine undergraduate students. Acad Med. 2016; 91: 987– 993. 26650673 source

      The available passage labeled Abstract (page unavailable) contains a focus-group script asking about challenges in applying to and completing medical or dental school, but it does not report which barriers students identified. Searches for mentors, role models, and unfamiliarity found no passage establishing either claimed barrier in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The BxCHL selection approach aligns with health equity and holistic admission processes supported by other prehealth programs and medical school admission committees.

    “This approach aligns with health equity and holistic admission processes supported by other prehealth programs and medical school admission committees.14,18”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [14] Upshur CC, Wrighting DM, Bacigalupe G, et al. The Health Equity Scholars Program: innovation in the leaky pipeline. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2018; 5: 342– 350. 28526974 PMC5694706 source

      Methods > Student Recruitment (page unavailable) describes HESP, a prehealth pipeline program, considering GPA, faculty recommendations, and applicants’ interest in health disparities rather than selecting only top academic performers. This supports the comparison to a health-equity-oriented, holistic prehealth selection process, but our copy does not establish that medical school admission committees support such a process. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [18] Kerrigan N, Akabas MH, Betzler TF, et al. Implementing competency based admissions at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Med Educ Online. 2016; 21: 30000. 26847852 PMC4742465 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Data suggest that supporting these students would increase workforce diversity in health care professions and directly impact health care access and care of marginalized populations as they are more likely to practice in underserved areas.

    “Data suggest that supporting these students would increase workforce diversity in health care professions and directly impact health care access and care of marginalized populations as they are more likely to practice in underserved areas.24,25”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [24] Andriole DA, Jeffe DB. Characteristics of medical school matriculants who participated in post-baccalaureate premedical programs. Acad Med. 2011; 86: 201– 210. 21169786 PMC3213404 source

      The Discussion says that academic-record-enhancer programs may diversify medical-school enrollees and that participants in both program types were more likely to intend to practice in underserved areas. This study measured intentions, not subsequent practice or direct effects on health care access and care; it also cautions against generalizing its results to other health-professions programs. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [25] Grumbach K. Commentary: adopting post-baccalaureate premedical programs to enhance physician workforce diversity. Acad Med. 2011; 86: 154– 157. 21270550

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Longitudinal mentorship has been recommended as a critical element needed to address the national crisis of lack of black men in medicine.

    “and has been recommended a critical element needed to address the national crisis of lack of black men in medicine.9,26,27”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [9] Laurencin CT, Murray M. An american crisis: the lack of black men in medicine. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2017; 4: 317– 321. 28534304 PMC5909952 source

      In “The Decline in the Number of Black Male Medical Doctors > Aamc Report” (page unavailable), the paper calls supportive networks essential to academic success and says Black males need Black physician role models. It does not specifically recommend longitudinal mentorship or identify it as a critical element for addressing the national crisis. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [26] Maton KI, Pollard SA, McDougall Weise TV, et al. Meyerhoff Scholars Program: a strengths-based, institution-wide approach to increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Mt Sinai J Med. 2012; 79: 610– 623. 22976367 PMC3444508 source

      The Theory of Problem section says faculty mentoring can reduce academic isolation and improve outcomes for African American STEM majors. The program description also includes external mentors and regular advising. The paper does not specifically recommend longitudinal mentorship as a critical response to the shortage of Black men in medicine; its focus is undergraduate STEM participation and research careers. The indexed passages provide no page numbers. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [27] Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Altering the Course: Black Males in Medicine. Washinton, DC. 2015. Available at https://store.aamc.org/downloadable/download/sample/sample_id/84 Accessed May 21, 2021.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The direct and overall acceptance (direct and conditional) rate of medical school applicants is 59% and 86%, respectively.

    “The direct and overall acceptance (direct and conditional) rate of medical school applicants is 59% and 86%, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The career advancement outcomes recorded for BxCHL participants are complete and accurate.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among survey respondents, 8 (13%) had household income <$24,999 and 26 (41%) had household income $25,000-49,999.

    “Household income | <$24,999 | 1 (3) | 6 (23) | 1 (14) | 8 (13)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Household income | $25,000–49,999 | 16 (52) | 8 (31) | 2 (29) | 26 (41)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The majority of BxCHL students attended a public city college (45%) or a private liberal arts college (non-Ivy league) (34%).

    “The majority attended a public city college (45%) and a private liberal arts college (non-Ivy league) (34%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among survey respondents, 54 (84%) were motivated to enter BxCHL by looking for opportunities to volunteer and give back to their community, and 46 (72%) by looking for opportunities to shadow and mentorship from health care professions.

    “Motivations to enter BxCHL program | I was looking for opportunities to volunteer and give back to my community. | 26 (84) | 23 (88) | 5 (71) | 54 (84)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Motivations to enter BxCHL program | I was looking for opportunities to shadow and mentorship from health care professions. | 23 (74) | 18 (69) | 5 (71) | 46 (72)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among survey respondents, 39 (61%) reported 'to do more health care-related activities' as a top reason to take gap year(s), and 36 (56%) reported 'to study for or retake MCAT'.

    “Top reasons to take gap year (s) | To do more health care-related activities | 21 (68) | 16 (62) | 2 (29) | 39 (61)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Top reasons to take gap year (s) | To study for or retake MCAT | 19 (61) | 13 (50) | 4 (57) | 36 (56)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among survey respondents, 14 (22%) had a science GPA <3.0, 26 (40%) had 3.0-3.5, and 13 (20%) had >3.5.

    “Science GPA | <3.0 | 6 (19) | 7 (27) | 1 (14) | 14 (22)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Science GPA | 3.0–3.5 | 12 (39) | 11 | 3 (43) | 26 (40)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Science GPA | >3.5 | 6 (19) | 5 | 2 (29) | 13 (20)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the 64 survey respondents, 42 (66%) were female and 19 (30%) were male.

    “Gender | Female | 20 (65) | 17 (65) | 5 (71) | 42 (66)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Gender | Male | 11 (35) | 8 (31) | 0 | 19 (30)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Among survey respondents, 27 (42%) had a professional mentor or peer-mentor before entering the program.

    “Prehealth activities before entered program | Had a professional mentor or peer-mentor | 13 (42) | 11 (42) | 3 (43) | 27 (42)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    The BxCHL model was successfully replicated for another program.

    “The BxCHL model was successfully replicated for another program.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Among survey respondents, 42 (66%) had individual income <$24,999.

    “Individual income | <$24,999 | 22 (71) | 16 | 4 | 42 (66)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among survey respondents, 18 (28%) were Black or African American and 26 (41%) were Latinx.

    “Race/ethnicity | Black or African American | 9 (29) | 7 (27) | 2 (29) | 18 (28)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Race/ethnicity | Latinx | 13 (42) | 10 (38) | 3 (43) | 26 (41)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The main age ranges of BxCHL students are 18-25 (52%) and 26-30 (39%).

    “The main age ranges are 18–25 (52%) and 26–30 (39%);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Among survey respondents, 53 (83%) had a bachelor's degree or were enrolled in a bachelor's program when they entered the program.

    “Highest degree attained or enrolled | Bachelor's | 26 (84) | 23 (88) | 4 (57) | 53 (83)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Notable socioeconomically disadvantaged measures in the BxCHL group include growing up in a low-income family and being a first-generation college student.

    “Notable socioeconomically disadvantaged measures in this group include growing up in a low-income family and being a first-generation college student.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There were 45 active members, 50 graduates, and 73 associates among the enrolled students.

    “There are 45 students identified as active members (currently enrolled in the program), 50 graduates (persisted in the program until advancement into the professional health career program), and 73 associates (participated in BxCHL and left the program before entering the professional health care programs).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Students in the BxCHL program are predominantly female (66%).

    “Students are predominantly female (66%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the 76 BxCHL students who advanced, there were 39 direct and 15 conditional acceptances to medical programs, 9 nursing, 4 physician assistant, 9 masters level programs, 1 respiratory therapy, and 1 optometry.

    “with 39 direct and 15 conditional acceptances to medical programs, 9 nursing, 4 physician assistant, 9 masters level programs, 1 respiratory therapy, and 1 optometry (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    BxCHL has developed a student-driven, voluntarism-based organizational structure to sustain the program's activities year-round, and does not rely on administrative support.

    “BxCHL has developed a student-driven, voluntarism-based organizational structure to sustain the program's activities year-round, and does not rely on administrative support.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    A BxCHL replication guide and toolkit were produced and utilized as the framework for the new program.

    “A BxCHL replication guide and toolkit were produced and utilized as the framework for the new program.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The BxCHL program benefits from existing resources housed at the FQHC and is overseen by a physician "program champion," who dedicates 10% of his time to this role.

    “The program benefits from existing resources housed at the FQHC and is overseen by a physician “program champion,” who dedicates 10% of his time to this role.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Grant funding has been used to enhance the BxCHL program's activities and to support students.

    “Grant funding has been used to enhance the program's activities and to support students.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the BxCHL program successfully transitioned its activities to virtual learning platforms.

    “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program successfully transitioned its activities to virtual learning platforms.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Several BxCHL students have entered residency programs focusing on primary care.

    “This has already been on display as several BxCHL students have entered residency programs focusing on primary care.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    SBxCHL has now been in existence for 2 years and currently supports 25 students.

    “SBxCHL has now been in existence for 2 years and currently supports 25 students.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The survey response rate was 38% (64/168), with active and graduate students representing almost 90% of the respondents.

    “The survey response rate was 38% (64/168), with active and graduate students representing almost 90% of the respondents.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The BxCHL program addresses concrete needs such as providing funds for transportation and internships.

    “the BxCHL program addresses concrete needs such as providing funds for transportation and internships.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    An Institutional Review Board approval (IRB) (number 2019-10769) was issued by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine for this study.

    “An Institutional Review Board approval (IRB) (number 2019-10769) was issued by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine for this study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The BxCHL program design embraces the four pillars of successful longitudinal mentoring programs proposed by Mains and colleagues.

    “This design embraces the four pillars of successful longitudinal mentoring programs proposed by Mains and colleagues, including the ability to “ignite the fire,” “illuminate the path,” “create the toolkit,” and “sustain the desire.”17”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] Mains TE, Wilcox MV, Wright SM. Medical education resources initiative for teens program in baltimore: a model pipeline program built on four pillars. Educ Health. 2016; 29: 47– 50. 26996799 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationown data

    Survey findings highlight the need for BxCHL-like programs to support URM and socioeconomically disadvantaged students in their prehealth path.

    “The survey findings highlight the need for BxCHL-like programs to support URM and socioeconomically disadvantaged students in their prehealth path.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Since 2014, the BxCHL program has served as a support system and advanced many URM and socioeconomically disadvantaged prehealth students into professional health care programs.

    “Since 2014, the BxCHL program has served as a support system and advanced many URM and socioeconomically disadvantaged prehealth students into professional health care programs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    Prehealth pathway and enrichment programs continue to be key in recruiting, retaining, and advancing students by helping overcome these barriers and enhancing skills and competencies necessary to succeed in health care careers.

    “Prehealth pathway and enrichment programs continue to be key in recruiting, retaining, and advancing students by helping overcome these barriers and enhancing skills and competencies necessary to succeed in health care careers.8”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [8] Smith SG, Nsiah-Kumi PA, Jones PR, et al. Pipeline programs in the health professions, part 1: preserving diversity and reducing health disparities. J Natl Med Assoc. 2009; 101: 836 –840, 45–51. 19806840 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    BxCHL medical school applicants have a direct acceptance rate (59%) comparable or better than the national direct acceptance rate of 41.1% (white 44%, Latino 42%, African American 34%).

    “Medical school applicants have a direct accepted rate (59%) comparable or better than the national direct acceptance rate of 41.1% (white 44%, Latino 42%, African American 34%).1”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1] Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Diversity in the physician workforce: facts &Figures 2016. Washington, DC, 2016. Available at https://www.aamcdiversityfactsandfigures2016.org Accessed May 21, 2021.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Socioeconomically disadvantaged and URM students encounter many barriers and lack opportunities to enter the health care workforce.

    “Socioeconomically disadvantaged and URM students encounter many barriers and lack opportunities to enter the health care workforce.5”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] Cooney R, Kosoko-Lasaki O, Slattery B, et al. Proximal versus distal influences on underrepresented minority students pursuing health professional careers. J Natl Med Assoc. 2006; 98: 1471– 1475. 17019914 PMC2569706

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Greater diversity in health care has been associated with improvements in equity, increased access to care, better patient/provider communication, and overall satisfaction.

    “Also, greater diversity in health care has been associated with improvements in equity, increased access to care, better patient/provider communication, and overall satisfaction.4”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Smedley BD, Stith Butler A, Bristow LR. In the Nation's Compelling Interest: Ensuring Diversity in the Health-care Workforce. Washington (DC): Institute of Medicine, 2004. 25009857

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Racial and ethnic minorities, including African Americans and Hispanics, comprise only about 6% of the US physician workforce, but comprise approximately 30% of the US population.

    “Racial and ethnic minorities, including African Americans and Hispanics, comprise only about 6% of the US physician workforce, but comprise ∼30% of the US population.1,2”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [1] Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Diversity in the physician workforce: facts &Figures 2016. Washington, DC, 2016. Available at https://www.aamcdiversityfactsandfigures2016.org Accessed May 21, 2021.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Analyzing Physician Workforce Racial and Ethnic Composition Associations: Geographic Distribution (Part II). Washington, DC: Association of American Medical Colleges, 2016.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    One-third more underrepresented minority physicians practice in primary care settings compared with non-URM physicians.

    “considering that one-third more underrepresented minority (URM) physicians practice in primary care settings compared with non-URM physicians.3”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3] Armstrong DP, Chung R, Daman S, Forte, GJ. New York Physician Workforce Profile, 2014 Edition. Rensselaer, NY: Center for Health Workforce Studies, School of Public Health, SUNY Albany; 2015.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    BxCHL is a grassroots effort fueled by service-driven URM prehealth students that has resulted in tangible outcomes.

    “It is a grassroots effort fueled by service-driven URM prehealth students that has resulted in tangible outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Metrics might indirectly impact the students' academic performance considering that they are encouraged to maintain high academic standards as part of the program's expectations.

    “but might indirectly impact the students' academic performance considering that they are encouraged to maintain high academic standards as part of the program's expectations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The BxCHL program represents an innovative and viable program designed to recruit, retain, and advance prehealth students from communities with limited access to support systems and professional learning environments.

    “We believe that the BxCHL program represents an innovative and viable program designed to recruit, retain, and advance prehealth students from communities with limited access to support systems and professional learning environments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This promotes camaraderie among students from marginalized communities and combats the feeling of being "lost and lonely," increasing confidence and sense of belonging.

    “This promotes camaraderie among students from marginalized communities and combats the feeling of being “lost and lonely,” increasing confidence and sense of belonging.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Enhancing near-peer mentorship and striving for an inclusive and safe environment reduces stereotype threats and imposter syndrome.

    “we have addressed this by enhancing near-peer mentorship and striving for an inclusive and safe environment to reduce stereotype threats and imposter syndrome.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    This report only includes self-reported academic metrics.

    “Another limitation in this report is that it only includes self-reported academic metrics.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Some BxCHL students may find a better occupational fit within the health care field.

    “and some students may find a better occupational fit within the health care field.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Metrics is not a competency the BxCHL program was designed to address directly.

    “Metrics is not a competency the program was designed to address directly,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
48 of 48

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Montefiore Family Health Center serves a large immigrant, refugee, and underserved population in the Bronx.

    “The FHC serves a large immigrant, refugee, and underserved population in the Bronx.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The BxCHL program contributed to participants' advancement into professional health career programs.

    “BxCHL's longitudinal service-driven and near-peer mentorship program design represents a replicable model to address health equity by supporting prehealth students from communities with limited access to mentors and professional learning environments in entering the health care workforce and serving their communities of origin.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The survey respondents are representative of all 168 students who participated in BxCHL for at least 3 months.

    “The survey response rate was 38% (64/168), with active and graduate students representing almost 90% of the respondents.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The career advancement outcomes recorded for BxCHL participants are complete and accurate.

    “We keep records of the students' application process to professional health career programs (cycles 2014–2020). We reached out via e-mail to students who had left the program to confirm their career progress.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Students in these communities are at higher risk of not advancing due to the lack of social support or mentoring.

    “Students in these communities are at higher risk of not advancing due to the lack of social support or mentoring.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    BxCHL programs are often the only support system for many students in this low-income community.

    “BxCHL programs are often the only support system for many students in this low-income community.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The participation of black or African American students in BxCHL is higher than the current makeup of the physician workforce.

    “which is higher than the current makeup of the physician workforce.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The ratio of female-to-male black or African American participants in BxCHL is similar to other prehealth programs in the community.

    “which is similar to other prehealth programs in the community.”
8 of 8

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Across the included studies, medical school and other healthcare program enrollment rates were described as key indicators of the programs' effectiveness in achieving their aims of broadening participation in medicine.

    “Across the included studies, medical school and other healthcare program enrollment rates were described as key indicators of the programs' effectiveness in achieving their aims of broadening participation in medicine (Robles et al., 2021;Wrensford et al., 2019).”

    From Pathway to Medicine and Health Programs Revisited: Outcomes and Institutional Adaptations in Greater Philadelphia and Beyond (2026) · cites this paper as Robles et al., 2021

    The Methods (Data collection; page unavailable) say the study tracked applications and career advancement to assess the Bronx program’s impact. Results (Impact, Table 3; page unavailable) report medical-school acceptance rates and counts of students entering other healthcare programs. The paper does not give enrollment rates for those other programs; it reports counts instead. (LLM, conf=0.82)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Additional New York-based studies also described program enrollment patterns following program participation.

    “Additional New York-based studies also described program enrollment patterns following program participation (DeOliveira & Daniels-Osaze, 2022;Pezzullo et al., 2023;Robles et al., 2021).”

    From Pathway to Medicine and Health Programs Revisited: Outcomes and Institutional Adaptations in Greater Philadelphia and Beyond (2026) · cites this paper as Robles et al., 2021

  • Pathway programs are characterized as mechanisms that can broaden access to medical education by attracting and retaining students who have historically had difficulty accessing medical school.

    “Pathway programs are characterized as mechanisms that can broaden access to medical education by attracting and retaining students who have historically had difficulty accessing medical school.”

    From Pathway to Medicine and Health Programs Revisited: Outcomes and Institutional Adaptations in Greater Philadelphia and Beyond (2026) · cites this paper as Robles et al., 2021

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

  • Career-program counts add to 78, not 76

    Major

    The listed acceptances sum to 78, two more than the stated total of 76 students. The discrepancy is in the master's-program count: the tables list seven, not nine.

    Reported 76 · recomputed 78

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), 2016, Analyzing Physician Workforce Racial and Ethnic Composition Associations: Geographic Distribution (Part II)
  2. Armstrong DP, 2015, New York Physician Workforce Profile, 2014 Edition
  3. Cooney R, 2006, J Natl Med Assoc, 98, 1471
  4. Agrawal JR, 2005, J Natl Med Assoc, 97, 1226
  5. Jackson MC, 2016, CBE Life Sce Educ, 15
  6. Stephenson-Hunter C, 2019, J Best Pract Health Prof Divers, 12, 1

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Robles, J., Qadeer, R., Reyes Adames, T., & Naqvi, Z.
Affiliations
  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine (US)
  • Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Group, Bronx, New York, USA.
Corresponding author
Robles, Juan
ORCID
Robles, Juan
Venue
Health Equity
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2021-11-01
Volume
5
Issue
1
Pages
791-800
ISSN
2473-1242 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1089/heq.2021.0065
PMC
PMC8665783
OpenAlex
W3215117586
Semantic Scholar
6d4dbc3cf5bbe87d9fb1068d8082ee432ca893aa
Cited by
4
References
19
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1
FWCI
1.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Health Equity (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (UL1TR002556)
  • National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Diversity and Career in Medicine
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Medical Education and Admissions
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Career Development and Diversity
Keywords
socioeconomic deprivation, near-peer mentorship, health workforce diversity, federally qualified health centers, low-income communities, health professions education

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-11-03.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-11-03.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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