Physiology Alumnus Demonstrates Success on Pathway to Medical School

Five years ago, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson launched a new pathway to medical school. Named the Pre-medical Admissions Pathway (P-MAP) program, its purpose is to assist students interested in pursuing medicine, but who may have faced educational and economic challenges in their journey to medical school.

In May 2019, the P-MAP program celebrated the first students to participate in the program officially became physicians. UA Physiology alumnus Marisela Mariscal was among the P-MAP Class of 2019 medical school graduates.

Marisela is a member of New Mexico’s Pueblo Laguna tribe and also of Hispanic descent. Raised in Tucson, she is the first in her family to obtain a college education, holding a bachelor’s degree in physiology. As a medical student, Marisela participated in the college’s rural health and community service distinction tracks, as well as the bilingual medical Spanish program. Marisela will specialize in family medicine and receive her residency training at the College of Medicine – Tucson South Campus.

“All of our P-MAP graduates identify with a group that is historically underrepresented in the physician workforce,” says P-MAP Director Tanisha Price Johnson, PhD. “That’s the goal of this program—to help students achieve their dreams. They are each very intelligent and P-MAP gave them opportunities they may not have had on their own.” 

P-MAP is open to Arizona residents, with preference given to those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, are first-generation college students, who grew up in rural or border communities or are registered members of federally recognized tribes. Preference also is given to students who speak Spanish or an indigenous language, the languages most commonly spoken by underserved populations in Arizona.

Upon successful completion of the rigorous one-year program, students earn a master’s degree in cellular and molecular medicine from the UA and automatically are accepted into the UA College of Medicine – Tucson.

For Victoria Murrain, DO, deputy dean for diversity and inclusion, this year’s P-MAP graduates reflect the college’s dedication to increase the diversity of its students.

“National initiatives address the lack of diversity among physicians; it’s a big problem. But I am proud to say that according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the UA College of Medicine – Tucson is leading the way among medical schools to recruit and support Native American students,” Dr. Murrain says. “Our pipeline program is a huge contributor to this success. And we aren’t just helping Native American students; we are helping Hispanics, African Americans, first-generation college students, the socioeconomically challenged — and many others to truly create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the United States.”