Ponce Health Sciences University, based in Ponce, Puerto Rico, approached the University of Bridgeport to collaborate on delivering a master's of science degree in medical sciences.
"We do have a large number of students, larger than most universities in Connecticut, who are Hispanic, and this caught our attention in part because of Ponce origins in Puerto Rico but also because of the product they had done research on," said Manyul Im, provost and vice president for academic affairs at University of Bridgeport.
Im said the curriculum, developed by PHSU through UB, will incorporate Tiber Analytics, a predictive analytics system, for each student. This system will provide feedback, helping them assess their chances of success in their first year of medical school.
The program aims to bridge the gap for first-generation college students, as research shows they often score lower on the Medical College Admission Test, a key factor in medical school acceptance, Im said.
"We're trying to bridge the gap in first-generation students so that they'll be able to get into medical school," Im said.
The program was created not only to bridge the gap for students but also for patients. Im said Ponce has researched first-generation students from different communities, finding they often return to their communities to practice.
This ensures patients have doctors who look like them and understand their language and culture, Im said.
The university is currently looking for students who are interested in medical school but think they may need extra support to get through their first year.
He said PHSU offers an accelerated application process for students who are at the top 20 percent of the program.
"This helps students become more competitive, to stand out, when applying for medical school because so many of these programs require a lot of work before you even get an interview," said Allison Garris, University of Bridgeport's dean of admissions. "So, this is a way they can differentiate themselves from the rest of the applicant pool."
The program starts in May, with the expectation of students being enrolled full-time. Unlike traditional models, it integrates continuous feedback from instructors and moderators on the Tiber Analytics platform, ensuring faster and more comprehensive insights. The AI system tracks progress, monitors individual performance and provides real-time feedback to enhance learning.
The May start date was intentional, allowing students to begin immediately after graduating in the spring without having to wait, Garris said.
"They don't want to waste any time," she said. "They really want to get themselves prepared for medical school."
The university plans to launch the program with 30 students, offering synchronous, remote classes.
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