TOP 45 - Exploring Outcomes of the DC Health and Academic Prep Program (DC HAPP) at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences: A Qualitative Evaluation

Publication Number: 3774.TOP 45

Rachael Odusanya, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States; Avani Bansal, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States; Victoria Agbelese, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arlington, VA, United States; Jalina Booker, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Accokeek, MD, United States; GRACE E.. HENRY, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, WASHINGTON, DC, United States; Theiline T. Gborkorquellie, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States

Background: Recent pediatric workforce data reveal a widening gap between available residency positions and those filled, with only 92% of categorical pediatric spots filled in the 2024 Match compared to 97% in 2023. This decline raises concern amid ongoing efforts to recruit and retain a diverse pediatric workforce capable of addressing the complex social and health needs of children. Pipeline programs have been shown to enhance exposure, mentorship, and academic readiness among students underrepresented in medicine (UIM), yet limited data exist on their long-term outcomes. Established in 2009, the DC Health and Academic Prep Program (DC HAPP) at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences aims to increase diversity in healthcare professions by engaging local high school students through mentorship, clinical exposure, and public health education. Evaluating the outcomes of DC HAPP alumni offers an opportunity to assess how structured pipeline initiatives can strengthen the pediatric workforce and promote equity in healthcare.

Objective: (1) Explore alumni perceptions of DC HAPP's impact on academic preparedness, professional identity formation, and pursuit of health-related careers; and (2) identify key elements that promote sustained success among UIM students to guide continued program improvements.

Design/Methods: We utilized a qualitative evaluation design to interview 17 DC HAPP alumni. All DC HAPP alumni (≥18 years) who completed the program between 2009-2024 were invited to participate. The interview guide was developed using the Appreciative Inquiry framework to elicit participants' perceptions of program strengths, successes, and opportunities for growth. Two team members conducted 30-60 minute 1:1 semi-structured interviews on Zoom, which were recorded and professionally transcribed. To enhance trustworthiness, interviewers completed reflexivity statements, and an experienced faculty member reviewed early transcripts to assess for bias, leading, and appropriate probing techniques. The data will be coded, and codes clustered and grouped into themes. Coding will be completed manually and organized into Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software. Trustworthiness will be ensured using multiple, experienced coders, a rigorous peer code-checking process and anonymous quotes to provide rich, thick description. All interviews have been transcribed, data analysis is underway, and will be completed in December 2025. In June 2025, our IRB determined this project to be a program evaluation of an educational activity (not human subjects research).

Table 1 - DC HAPP Participant Demographics
Demographic and background characteristics of 17 DC HAPP alumni who participated in qualitative interviews.