BROWNWOOD – September 26, 2023 – Howard Payne University student Emily Moran of Coleman recently became the second HPU student to be accepted into the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP). This program helps undergraduate students who want to enter the medical field by preparing them for medical school.
JAMP is a state-funded program that consists of a partnership of 68 undergraduate universities and 13 Texas medical schools. JAMP provides Texan students with academic and financial support through scholarships, summer internship experiences, dedicated mentoring and comprehensive preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). More information about JAMP is available on its website, texasjamp.org.
“JAMP is an excellent opportunity for our students pursuing a career in medicine,” said Dr. Kristen Hutchins, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, professor of biology and JAMP faculty director at HPU. “Our first JAMP student, HPU alumna Dr. Hannah (Justice) White, recently graduated from medical school and began her residency in pediatrics.”
Moran came to HPU so she could study biomedical science in preparation for medical school, with the ultimate goal of becoming a surgeon. Her interest in healthcare first began in junior high after an injury.
“I had a small accident with a scooter that resulted in two hairline fractures in my left wrist,” Moran said. “Seeing my own X-rays for the first time sparked my interest in the medical field and, upon taking an anatomy and physiology class in high school, this interest was cemented into an aspiration to enter that field.”
The scholarship amount that HPU offered for her academic achievement was a major factor in her choosing HPU over other options. Now, as a junior, she finds the tight-knit HPU community has been a highlight of her college experience.
“I love the small class sizes,” said Moran. “You can get to know your professors really well. Whenever you need to reach out for help, they can easily offer it to you.”
One of her favorite professors, Dr. Hutchins, is excited for Moran’s achievement.
“We are thrilled for Emily to be the newest HPU student accepted into JAMP,” said Dr. Hutchins. “I am so proud of how she is making the most of these opportunities as she pursues her passion.”
Moran recently finished her first JAMP summer internship at the University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
“I loved the internship program,” said Moran. “They had state-of-the-art technology that they let us use. We got to do clinical trials, and getting to travel to the Houston area was great too.”
For Moran, another exciting aspect of JAMP is the support for MCAT study.
“I was panicking before I went to the summer internship program, because I had no clue how I was going to study for the MCAT,” she recalls. “They gave us a ton of resources and let us meet with some medical students at the college itself to give us tips on how to study.”
As she has worked through her coursework at HPU and participated in JAMP, her confidence about a future in the medical field has been reaffirmed.
“The science behind it all is just so exciting,” said Moran. “JAMP is providing me an even more in-depth look at material I’ve already seen in my HPU studies. On top of that, HPU connected me with a job opportunity about a year ago at a local dermatology clinic, Epiphany Dermatology. I’m able to build my clinical skills there, and I often come across the real-world applications of things that I’ve read about in my studies. I enjoy what I’m learning and where I’m working.”
Moran ultimately hopes to have a positive impact on people’s lives through her pursuit of medicine.
“I hope to improve the quality of life for any future patients I might have,” said Moran. “If I can help even one person reclaim a sliver of their physical independence, then my career choice will be worth it.”
For more information about HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics, visit www.hputx.edu/scienceandmath.
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Cutline: Emily Moran is HPU’s second JAMP student.