Special events are being planned for two Wayne State University School of Medicine programs with significant anniversaries in 2019.
The 30th annual Reach Out to Youth event will be presented by the Black Medical Association from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 2 at the School of Medicine. "Hustle to Gain More Muscle" is the theme this year.

Reach Out to Youth allows up to 300 children 7 to 11 years old to participate in interactive small-group sessions in anatomy, physiology and clinical medicine to whet their appetite for educations and careers in medical fields. Student workshops are designed to motivate students and lead them to careers in the medical profession, as well as educate them on the science behind healthy living and eating. Parent workshops will focus on healthy lifestyles, building muscle, and obesity.

The free program targets inner-city youth to boost career motivation, self-esteem and knowledge about science and medicine. It was founded by Carolyn King, M.D., a 1993 graduate of the WSU School of Medicine, and Don Tynes, M.D., a 1995 graduate.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the School of Medicine's Pre-Medical Post Baccalaureate Program. Established in 1969 as the first program of its kind in the country, the non-degree-granting program assists qualified students in preparation for admission to medical school. The program encourages diversity in health care professions by increasing the number of physicians from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

As many as 200 Michigan undergraduates apply for the program each year. A maximum of 16 students are accepted annually for the program, which immerses students in classes that prepare them for consideration for entry into medical school. In the last 30 years, the School of Medicine has invested $35 million in the program, which has graduated 401 participants who have gone on to become physicians.

Stay tuned in the coming months for announcements and events celebrating the longevity of these programs.