The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) brought a strong statewide presence to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Learn Serve Lead 2025 Conference in San Antonio, highlighting Texas’ leadership in building coordinated pathways that expand access to medical school for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
As a partnership among 14 medical schools and 68 public and private undergraduate institutions, JAMP demonstrated how large-scale collaboration can strengthen the future physician workforce and support student success across the state.
Across two days of conference programming, JAMP leaders and alumni shared insights on pathway innovation, student preparation, and research skill development—drawing national attention to the program’s statewide impact.
Texas JAMP Director Nina Gonzalez alongside Leslie Omeire and Dr. Cynthia Perry
Later that afternoon, Leslie Omeire, MD/MPH Candidate ’27 at the Long School of Medicine and current JAMP Scholar, joined
the panel “Exploring Optimal Premedical Pathway Programs: Best Insights and Models.”
Omeire’s personal story—and the role JAMP played in supporting her entry into medicine—offered
an on-the-ground perspective that deeply connected with audiences. The session also
featured JAMP’s 3.5-minute recruitment video, which prompted enthusiastic engagement and requests for additional program materials.
On Tuesday, November 4, Dr. Angel Gonzalez, Associate Dean of Academic Opportunity and Educational Excellence at the Long School
of Medicine, presented “Using a New Instrument to Measure Student Perception of Institutional Culture and
Climate.”
Dr. Gonzalez also spotlighted SPARK—Scholarly Pathways to Advancing Research Knowledge, a statewide enrichment curriculum he developed for JAMP Scholars. SPARK introduces
foundational research skills—from developing research questions to evaluating peer-reviewed
literature—preparing students for the academic expectations of medical school and
future scholarly work.
JAMP’s participation in Learn Serve Lead 2025 reflects Texas’ continued commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening student preparation, and supporting institutions working together to develop the state’s future physician workforce.
“The strong representation of JAMP at this year’s conference reinforces the value of statewide collaboration in expanding opportunities for Texas students,” said Dr. Nina G. Gonzalez, Director of JAMP & TXHES Strategic Initiatives.
“National engagement allows us to share the effectiveness of our model while learning from partners across the country who are committed to strengthening pathways into medicine. The use of storytelling—especially through our JAMP recruitment video—helped us highlight the program’s impact directly from the perspective of its participants, which resonated strongly with audiences.”
As JAMP returns to Texas, the program remains focused on extending the statewide narrative
it shared in San Antonio—leveraging storytelling, scholar voices, and data-driven
outcomes to strengthen understanding of JAMP’s mission.
Looking ahead to AAMC Learn Serve Lead 2026 in Anaheim, JAMP plans to continue submitting
proposals that highlight Texas’ coordinated approach to pathway development while
inspiring other states to pursue their own legislative strategies to support similar
programs.
Insights gained from this year’s conference will shape upcoming 2026 initiatives, including:
JAMP also aims to utilize national engagement to bolster statewide advocacy efforts and reinforce the importance of continued investment in Texas students and the future physician workforce.
About the author: The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) is a special program created by the Texas Legislature to support and encourage highly qualified, economically disadvantaged Texas resident students pursuing a medical education.
Texas JAMP highlighted statewide collaboration, pathway innovation, and scholar success at AAMC Learn Serve Lead 2025, reinforcing Texas’ leadership in expanding access to medical education.
A record EY26 applicant pool reflects JAMP’s expanding reach, strong statewide partnerships, and commitment to supporting future Texas physicians.
JAMP alum Dr. Nayeli Fuentes shares her journey from first-gen student to physician, highlighting mentorship, resilience, and her commitment to serving Texas communities.
