Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy

A Division of the NAPCA Foundation

We are committed to building a diverse pipeline of future medical doctors and scientists for the physician and healthcare workforce, as early as 4th grade, that is more representative of the U.S. population.

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Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy elementary school students

MPP Elementary School Program

Accepting applications from high achieving students who
will be enrolled as a 4th or 5th grade student in the upcoming Fall semester.

MPP Middle School Program

Accepting applications from high achieving students who
will be enrolled as a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student in the upcoming Fall semester.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy high school students
Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy high school students

MPP High School Program

Accepting applications from high achieving students who
will be enrolled as a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student in the upcoming Fall semester.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy elementary school students

MPP Elementary School Program

Accepting applications from high achieving students who will be enrolled as a 4th or 5th grade student in the upcoming Fall semester.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy high school students

MPP Middle School Program

Accepting applications from high achieving students who will be enrolled as a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student in the upcoming Fall semester.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy high school students

MPP High School Program

Accepting applications from high achieving students who will be enrolled as a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student in Fall 2022.

Welcome to the Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy!

Committed to Building a Diverse Pipeline of Future Medical Students, as Early as 4th Grade, to the Physician Workforce.

The Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy is a year-round, early outreach medical school preparation program. We partner with medical schools, student organizations, and other stakeholders to build a pipeline of future medical students, as early as the 4th grade, from diverse backgrounds to the physician workforce. The MPP Academy is open to high achieving elementary (4th & 5th grade students), secondary (6th-12th grade students), and undergraduate students from all backgrounds who might not have considered a career as a medical physician or have already committed to pursuing a career in medicine.

Our pipeline programs are delivered in a hybrid format (online and on-campus) over a 2-4 year period, depending on student grade level. Every summer, MPP students participate in a 1, 2, or 3 week summer intensive at a top university. Additionally, students are engaged in weekly virtual online classes for 2-4 hours per week during the academic year. The MPP Academy works to increase the number of high achieving students who are academically and mentally prepared with the social-emotional skills to: 1) complete medical school and 2) become licensed to practice medicine in a medical specialty that provides a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives.

We provide rigorous academic instruction to help aspiring medical doctors become a competitive medical school applicant, with the mindset, tools, and resources to succeed in medical school and beyond. In addition, students explore a myriad of careers in the field of medicine and develop a comprehensive education and career plan (roadmap). Additionally, students receive social, emotional, and resiliency skills training to help them break through any barrier that they may face on their path to success.

5 Reasons to Attend the MPP Academy

Learn the top 5 reasons to attend the MPP Academy.

Overview of MPP Academy

Learn more about the unique offerings and components of the MPP Academy.

5 Reasons to Attend the MPP Academy

Learn the top 5 reasons to attend the MPP Academy.

Overview of MPP Academy

Learn more about the unique offerings and components of the MPP Academy.

MPP ACADEMY SNAPSHOT

An Early Outreach Medical School Preparation Program

The Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy is delivered in a
hybrid format (online and on-campus) over a 2-4 year period, depending on student grade level.

Summer Programming (On-Campus)

MPP Academy students will participate in a 1, 2, or 3 week on-campus summer intensive program.

Academic Year Programming (Online)

MPP Academy students will participate in academic and career preparation activities, 2-4 hours per week (excluding holidays), during the academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters).

Academic Year Programming (Online)

MPP Academy students will participate in weekly academic and career preparation activities, 2-4 hours per week, during the academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters).

Medical Physician Preparation GOAL 2035

Goal 2035

Our big goal is to increase the diversity among doctors who are underrepresented in the physician workforce from the current rate of 11% to 20% by 2035. We are committed to building a pipeline of future medical students, as early as 4th grade, that is more representative of the U.S. population.

Academic Preparation for Pre-Med Coursework

Knowledge to Become a Competitive Applicant for Medical School

1, 2, or 3 Week Summer Program at a Top University Campus

MPP Podcast

First Aid, CPR, BLS, AED, and HIPAA Certifications

Visits to Local Hospitals & Clinics

Medical School Tours

Mentorship

Social & Cultural Activities

Preparation for the MCAT Entrance Exam

Medical Physician Preparation GOAL 2035

Goal 2035

Our big goal is to increase the diversity among doctors who are underrepresented in the physician workforce from the current rate of 11% to 20% by 2035. We are committed to building a pipeline of future medical students, as early as 4th grade, that is more representative of the U.S. population.

Career Exploration & Planning

1 Week International Study Abroad Trip

Participate in Weekly Academic & Career Preparation Activities

Personal Strategic Action Planning: “A Roadmap to Your Future Career”

Clinical Simulation Activities

Academic Skills Development & Writing Courses

College & Medical School Admissions and Financial Aid Advising

Social-Emotional Skills & Resiliency Training

Career Coaching for Professional & Personal Development

Service Learning Activities

International Experience Trip

1 University Location Outside of the U.S.A

  • Students will attend a 1 week on-campus MPP Academy summer intensive program at a well-respected University/medical school outside of the U.S. This study abroad trip will raise global awareness through students experiencing first-hand what it’s like to practice medicine internationally.
  • Additionally, students will learn about the social, economical, and environmental factors that affect the health of patients and populations in a healthcare system outside of the USA, with a particular focus on understanding the health inequities that exist between patient populations.
Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy GLOB
  • Unique Hybrid Model: Opportunity to travel to three different universities for in-person class sessions and interact virtually in live face-to-face online class sessions using a robust online learning management system.
  • Capstone Project with Support in Thematic Groups: Small groups of students using a common approach work collaboratively to complete their own “Individual Personal Strategic Action Plan” to discover their core personal values, conduct a career field analysis, choose and explore their career of interest and specialty, and develop a roadmap to reach their career goal.
  • Intimate Cohort of U.S. and International Students: Students interact with highly accomplished classmates from different communities across the globe that have similar professional ambitions.

Demystifying the Barriers to Medical School & Our Approach to Overcome Them

The Barriers to Medical School

There are several potential barriers on the path to medical school. The MPP Academy addresses these issues as early as fourth grade to ensure that students are prepared for pre-med college coursework. In addition, our curriculum proactively addresses the most common barriers to diverse representation in the medical field, including:

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students
  • Financial Cost of Medical School Education
  • Lack of Academic Preparation 
  • Limited Exposure to Careers in Medicine
  • Stereotype Threat
  • Admissions Requirements
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Lack of Mentors Concordant with Student’s Race/Ethnicity

Our Approach to Medical School Preparation

Addressing the Barriers to Medical School

The Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy is truly transformational because of our research based curriculum and focus on sustainable impact. Every summer, MPP students participate in a 4-5 week summer intensive at a top university. Additionally, students are engaged in weekly virtual online classes for 2-4 hours per week during the academic year. Students live in the dorms on a university campus, spend up to 12 hours a day learning and experiencing collegiate life. Participants will take rigorous classes in mathematics, science, academic writing, to name a few.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students

MPP Academy students develop the social and emotional attributes to matriculate and thrive in medical school and beyond.

  • Our Social-Emotional Seminars help students break through their barriers. In addition, the seminar helps students develop the resilience needed to achieve their future career goal of becoming a medical physician.
  • Our Wellness Workshops help students to take ownership of one’s health to prevent illness and develop a healthy lifestyle.
Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students

MPP Academy students receive year-round rigorous academic instruction to become a competitive medical school applicant, with the mindset, tools, and resources to succeed in medical school and beyond.

  • Students will strengthen their knowledge and skills in mathematics and science to be prepared for pre-med college coursework and medical school training.
Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students

MPP Academy students are provided with personalized guidance and a four phase evidence-based approach to career exploration & planning to help students determine if a career in medicine is the right fit. Additionally, our program will help students discover their career path in the field of medicine.

  • Students will receive a comprehensive textbook (written exclusively for MPP Academy participants). The textbook will empower students with the tools and resources to navigate the career exploration and planning process.
Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students

Contributing to a Culture of Health & Diversity in Health Care

The MPP Academy contributes to a culture of health and promoting diversity in health care. We do this by working to increase the racial and ethnic composition of the medical physician work- force through our programs.

In addition, the MPP academy creates diverse applicant pools and increases the number of students underrepresented in medicine who are prepared to enter and graduate from medical school. Our work strengthens not only the workforce but also the medical care for generations of Americans and our global community. Moreover, the academy offers the medical community an opportunity to engage diverse talent while supporting their career development.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students

By 2032, the U.S. Will See a Physician Shortage

The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates that by 2032, the U.S. will see a physician shortage of nearly 122,000 doctors because a large cohort of physicians over age 65 are retiring (AAMC Physician Shortages, 2020).

These shortages will be felt most acutely in underserved communities across the nation (AAMC Physician Shortages). To properly address the racial disparities in our healthcare system, it’s crucial that we build a more diverse pipeline of medical students.

MPP Academy Pipeline Programs:

Exploration and Preparation of the Pathways to Medicine

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students

Education & Career Awareness

The MPP Academy implements a four-phase evidence-based approach to empower students with the tools and resources to navigate the career exploration and planning process.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students

Recruitment

Early career exploration and planning with personalized guidance will support the dreams of high-achieving students as early as the 4th grade through undergraduate studies and beyond, increasing the number of qualified candidates entering medical school.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy undergraduate students

Retention

MPP students are provided with the knowledge, resources and tools to thrive academically coupled with the social-emotional attributes to complete medical school, residency and physician licensing requirements, and to lead a fulfilling and meaningful career in the field of medicine.

Why Choose MPP Academy

The MPP Academy represents an unparalleled opportunity for students

The MPP Academy represents an unparalleled opportunity for students from elementary school through high school to explore careers in the field of medicine, to develop a comprehensive education and career plan (roadmap), and to develop skills of emotional literacy and resilience to help students break through any barrier that they may face on their path to success.

Additionally, the academy empowers students with the knowledge and understanding of the process of applying to college and to medical school, the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to attend medical school, collegial and professional networks, and ultimately, helps students fulfill their life’s purpose or goal of becoming a licensed medical physician.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy

Live and Study at a top university campus for 1, 2, or 3 weeks during the summer.

Build a robust community of peers and support that will last a lifetime.

Navigate the four-year college and medical school admissions and financial aid process, including preparation for the MCAT entrance exam, with greater confidence and reduce stress and anxiety.

Provide participants with substantive academic preparation and social-emotional skills development training to breakthrough academic and non-academic barriers to strengthen their preparation for undergraduate study and medical school.

Earn First Aid, CPR, AED, & BLS Certification from Americal Red Cross.

Connect with professionals from different specialties in the medical field to learn about the wide variety of medical specialties and career opportunities in medical.

Build the knowledge to become a competitive applicant to gain admission into top universities and medical schools.

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy

Experience the first year of Medical School. Learn what it’s like to be a student at a top Medical School in the U.S.

Build a strong scientific and mathematical foundation to thrive in pre-med coursework, medical school, and for future medical practice.

Participate in a variety of academic and career preparation activities each month during the academic year.

Medical School tours and visits to local hospitals and clinics to observe the activities to physicians and residents.

Learn effective learning strategies/ study skills and strengthen non-cognitive skills, behaviors and attitudes for success in college and career.

Connect with a career coach and receive personalized one-on-one sessions to support your professional and personal development into the medical field.

Explore the career as a medical physician in-depth and develop a personal strategic action plan (your roadmap) to clearly outline a path to achieve your future career.

MPP Academy Alumni Spotlight

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy Juliana Smith

Juliana Smith

I participated in NAPCA as a high school student in 2012 at the University of Southern California. I’m currently a 1st-year medical student at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). I think the most powerful thing I gained from the program was the confidence to pursue a career in medicine. I cannot thank the program enough for that!

Additionally, I loved it so much that I wanted to get involved as a staff member. In the summer of 2015-16, I coordinated all student activities outside of the classroom on the campus of Harvard University. I am so grateful for this experience as it helped to build my leadership skills.


I highly recommend that you consider attending NAPCA’s MPP program and taking advantage of everything the program has to offer. If you had the opportunity to talk to a future medical school student, what would you tell him/her?

If your current circumstances don’t match your dreams, meaning you don’t have the grades, finances, knowledge, experience, etc. to pursue it, don’t let that discourage you. You need help on your journey. There are several people who have had obstacles similar to yours and have accomplished exactly what you want to do. You have to find these people and come up with a game plan. Programs like NAPCA’s Medical Physician Preparation Program can provide the support and guidance that you need.

Read more

MPP Partners

Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy Partners

We are grateful for the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations who support our work.

allstate partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
chipotle partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
dennys partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
dominos partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
little caesars partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
pinkberry partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
mcdonalds partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
pizza papa johns partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
pizza hut partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy
subweay partner of Medical Physician Preparation (MPP) Academy

STATEMENT OF ACCREDITATION