The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) offers aspiring students improved access to medical schools in Texas. As a state-mandated initiative, JAMP works with all medical schools across Texas, including Texas A&M College of Medicine and the School of Engineering Medicine (ENMED). This program assists students from low socioeconomic backgrounds by providing them with the resources, guidance, and support needed to pursue their aspirations of becoming physicians. Students apply as college sophomores and gain an early assurance into one of the participating Texas medical schools.
Fernando Vasquez, the assistant dean of MD Admissions and a dedicated JAMP program advisor at Texas A&M has been involved with the program since 2010. His commitment to JAMP stems from his role as the JAMP Medical School Coordinator at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Reflecting on his journey, Vasquez shares, “Working with JAMP since 2016 has been a fulfilling experience to mentor and guide students, helping to make medical school a reality for those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.”
The JAMP program has already profoundly impacted the medical community in Texas, significantly increasing the number of physicians from low socioeconomic backgrounds. With over 700 success stories, JAMP represents the potential and perseverance of its students. “Mentoring and guiding students has been the most rewarding aspect of my work with JAMP,” Vasquez remarks. “Seeing them succeed and knowing we’ve helped them achieve their dreams is incredibly gratifying.”
JAMP’s success is largely attributed to the collaborative efforts of various Texas medical schools. “We all work together to support the students in the JAMP program,” says Vasquez. “Our goal is to improve and diversify the physician workforce in Texas. The JAMP Council, made up of medical school faculty and administrators, plays a crucial role in this collaboration.”
Community engagement is another cornerstone of JAMP’s mission. Participating medical schools actively work with their surrounding communities to promote the program. Texas A&M, for instance, hosts a Pre-JAMP Symposium each spring and runs youth mentoring programs with local high schools in Bryan, Dallas, and soon, Round Rock. “These initiatives help raise awareness about JAMP and inspire students to consider a career in medicine,” explains Vasquez.
Looking ahead, the future of JAMP at Texas A&M College of Medicine and ENMED remains promising. “As a state-mandated program, we are more than happy to continue working with JAMP as required by the legislature,” Vasquez affirms. The program’s enduring success and the continuous support from the legislature ensure that it will keep transforming lives and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive medical community in Texas.
The Joint Admission Medical Program is more than just an initiative; it is a lifeline for many aspiring medical students across Texas. Through dedicated mentors and the unwavering support of public medical schools, JAMP continues to open doors and create opportunities for those who need it most. Texas A&M College of Medicine and the School of Engineering Medicine (ENMED) is proud to be part of this transformative journey, fostering a new generation of compassionate and skilled physicians.