EMPPATHS
EMPPATHS is a summer pathway program designed to provide opportunities for Pre-PAs to obtain shadowing hours and mentoring. The goal of the program is to increase opportunities for those that are under-represented in medicine, have overcome signficant barriers in their lives, or are interested in addressing health inequities in underserved populations. Students are paired with practicing Physician Assistants/Associates and observe their daily job duties.
What are previous participants saying about EMPPATHS?
“I think that the EMPPATHS Program was a wonderful opportunity…I personally do not have many connections to PAs or physicians…it has been very difficult to build a connection with someone to allow me to shadow”
“This program provided me incredible exposure to numerous specialties within such a coveted position, solidifying my desire to become a PA and opening my eyes to even more opportunities this position allows. The amount of knowledge I obtained through the panel discussions and throughout shadowing was immeasurable and something I will forever be grateful for.”
“Especially now that there is so much competition for PA school, I love that this program gives students access to the shadowing hours they need to apply to PA school. One of my students shared with me that she almost gave up on her dream because she couldn’t find anyone to shadow.”
“…When I was in their shoes, I had people that were willing to help me get to where I am today, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do the same.”
PA Specialties
In 2024, PAs in 15 Specialties voluntereed to precept EMPPATHS students
| Cardiac Surgery | Oncology |
| Infectious Diseases | Orthopedics |
| Hospital Medicine | Hematology |
| Neurology | Otolaryngology |
| Neurosurgery | Pediatric Gastroenterology |
| Women’s Health | Plastic Surgery |
| Trauma Surgery | Urology |
Program Structure
This is an 8 week summer program. Participants will be paired with UChicago PAs at the Hyde Park campus and observe their daily job duties. Panel Discussions and workshops are also offered and include topics such as: Tips for Applying to PA School, Interview Skills, A Day in the Life of a PA series.
Program Dates
June 5, 2025: Program Orientation.
Attendance is mandatory
June 8, 2025- August 4,2025: Shadowing sessions
- Students will be paired with practicing PAs for 4-12 hour shadowing sessions based on mutual availability. Settings may include inpatient, clinic, Emergency Room or Operating Room.
- Weekend and evening shadowing sessions are extremely limited.
Panel Discussions
- 2025 sessions to be scheduled.
- 2024 session topics included:
- Panel discussion with New PAs
- A Day in the Life series: A series in which Physician Assistants provide insights into the nuances of a typical day in their professional lives
- Meet the PA Program Admissions counselor
Program Information
Program Information
- Location: Hyde Park campus in Chicago, IL
- Academic credit: Not provided.
- Housing: Housing is not provided. Participants will need to reside locally in the Chicagoland area during the program.
- Compensation: Upon completion of 40 shadowing hours, students will be provided with a Pre-PA membership to the American Academy of PAs for one year.
- 15 participants will be accepted.
- Applications open 2/17/25-3/17/25
- Participants notified of acceptance by 4/21/25
Application Requirements
Applications require a resume, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and immunization records.
Ideal candidates should:
- be a rising college junior or senior, or completed an undergraduate degree
- have a strong interest in the PA profession and addressing health inequities
- live in the Chicagoland area (preference will be given to Cook County residents)
If accepted, applicants will be required to undergo a background check, urine drug screen, and the applicant must review educational materials (which may include topics such as HIPAA Privacy and Security, Safety, Fire Safety, and Infection Control)
Opportunities are not available to B-1, B-2, H1-B and H-4 visa holders. Applicants with permanent resident cards must provide a copy of their card during the time of the interview
Letter of Recommendation
The letter of recommendation should attest to your personal competence and ethical character and can be written by a someone such as professor or employer
Personal Statement
Please include a personal statement describing either your interest in addressing health inequities and social determinants of health in underserved populations or why you wish to participate in this shadowing program. This essay should highlight your interest in the PA profession (1000 words or less)
Resume
Immunization Requirements
The University of Chicago Medical Center requires proof of immunizations or immunity health from a health care provider or health care institution for all individuals participating in a shadowing experience. If proof cannot be provided, the shadowing individual must submit to health screening at UChicago Occupational Medicine. Immunization is required for the following
(Note: all records not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation):
- Rubeola (measles) – Proof of immunity (serologic titers) OR documentation of physician-diagnosed measles OR documentation of 2 doses of live measles (or MMR) vaccine on or after your first birthday.
- Mumps – Proof of immunity (serologic titers) OR documentation of physician-diagnosed mumps OR documentation of 2 doses of live mumps vaccine (or MMR) on or after your first birthday.
- Rubella (German measles) – Proof of immunity OR documentation of one rubella vaccination (or MMR). Documentation of disease is NOT acceptable.
- Varicella (chicken pox) – Proof of immunity (serologic titers) OR documentation of physician-diagnosed chicken pox OR documentation of 2 doses varicella vaccine.
- Influenza – Must have proof of vaccination within past year
- Covid-19 Vaccination
- Tuberculosis Screening: you may submit application even if TB testing has never been done. If accepted to the program, you can complete this in Occupational Medicine at no cost to you)
- NEGATIVE HISTORY: Documentation of TB skin tests is required. One must be within the past 12 months. QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test (QFT-G) is acceptable in lieu of TB skin testing. Must be within 3 months of the start date of the shadowing experience.
- POSITIVE HISTORY: Documentation of + TB skin test and Chest X-ray done within 3 months of the start date of the shadowing experience. Please note: those with a history of BCG vaccination without + TB skin test documentation are not exempt from TB testing
- Link to apply
