School of Medicine Launches Middle School to Medical School Program
Kickoff with Harmony Science Academy
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine launched the Middle School to Medical School (M to M) program with a kickoff event at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at Harmony Science Academy.
The M to M program is targeted to those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Felix Morales, M.D., associate dean of the School of Medicine Office of Admissions, said programs like these are necessary because studies have shown, the earlier children are exposed to careers in medicine, the better chance they will have in actually pursuing a degree.
“As a child, I helped my family by working in the fields picking onions,” Dr. Morales said. “Hard work was instilled in our family. When I applied and was accepted to medical school, I was one-in-four Hispanic students. There were no African-Americans and more men than women were accepted. We want to provide opportunities for middle school children to experience the world of health care and hopefully inspire them to know they too can become a physician.”
TTUHSC is partnering with Harmony Science Academy, a public Title-I charter school, as the pilot school for the program. Medical students will host monthly outreach activities with Harmony Science Academy students exposing them to activities such as taking blood pressure, casting, using a stethoscope and answering questions about the medical field.
A report by the U.S. Census Bureau Texas Health Professions Resource Center, showed the 2018 Texas population was 39 percent Hispanic and 13 percent black, yet only 8 percent of the Texas physician population was Hispanic and 6 percent black. Dr. Morales stressed the importance of mentors for children.
“I started with the premedical society helping underrepresented students, and in this role, I continue to work with and mentor students. We want all children to know what’s possible and set a pathway for them to succeed.”
Related Stories
Molecular Pathology Preceptorship: Unmatched Value and Experience
Ericka Hendrix, PhD, MB(ASCP)CM, Program Director and Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Molecular Pathology program in the School of Health Professions spoke about the program’s preceptorship.
Moseley Named Permian Basin Regional Dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing
Kelly Moseley, DHSc, R.N., has been named the TTUHSC School of Nursing regional dean in the Permian Basin.
TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location
Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.
Recent Stories
Santos Named Department of Surgery Chair for TTUHSC School of Medicine in Lubbock
As the new Department of Surgery chair for the School of Medicine in Lubbock, Ariel Santos, M.D., M.P.H., seeks to elevate TTUHSC’s role as the Hub of Surgery for West Texas.
Covenant Health Brings Kidney Transplant Surgery Back to West Texas
The Kidney Transplant Program at Covenant Medical Center will provide life-changing opportunities for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney conditions.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks TTUHSC Schools Among Best for 2025 Graduate School Rankings
Several graduate programs at TTUHSC have been recognized in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School Rankings, reaffirming the university’s continued excellence in health sciences education and training.