Xavier University of Louisiana and the University of Pennsylvania’s medical school, Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), are proud to announce a partnership to increase student diversity in the medical field. Xavier University of Louisiana is one of five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) in partnership with the Penn Access Summer Scholars Program (PASS) to expand the pipeline of students underrepresented in medicine. Xavierites Royce Hooks and Licia Bravo will enter medical school this year thanks in part to the PASS-HBCU collaboration.   

PASS was launched for students to gain firsthand experience of medical environments and to build supportive networks. The selective program provides two summers of research for students with the goal of preparing them to matriculate into medical school. In addition to conducting research, PASS students shadow physicians, visit student-led community clinics, and participate in various enrichment experiences that prepare them for the transition to medical school, foster their professional development, and cultivate supportive relationships with their peers, staff, and faculty mentors. PASS students who meet PSOM’S academic and professional requirements are also offered linkage admission to their medical school.  

In 2022 Hooks graduated from Xavier, earning his degree in Biology Pre-Med with a minor in Chemistry. Hooks expressed excitement upon receiving news of his medical school acceptance and is grateful for PASS and the PSOM-Xavier partnership.   

“Finding out I was the recipient was truly life-changing. I was shocked and not expecting to receive a scholarship to a school like Penn. It’s a full-tuition scholarship, so the HBCU PASS program has been a blessing,” shared Hooks. “My work is rooted in research, and after I complete medical school, I plan to continue to be involved in research. I haven’t decided my specialty yet, but I know I want to practice in underserved communities.”  

Hooks is thankful for Xavier, as the university provided him with a solid academic foundation that has been beneficial throughout his endeavors. 

“Right now, I work in a COVID lab. I also do women’s health testing, including vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and respiratory pathogens-- it’s really all PCR based. Xavier definitely prepared me for this work,” Hooks stated proudly. 

For more information regarding the Perelman School of Medicine and HBCU partnership, click here.