The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) reached an exciting milestone with 448 submitted applications for Entry Year 2026 (EY26) — the highest number in the program’s history. This marks the third consecutive year of sustained growth and reflects the program’s expanding reach and alignment with its mission to support economically disadvantaged, high-achieving students aspiring to become physicians serving Texas communities.
This year’s applicant profile reflects not just a larger pool — but broader representation from first-generation college students and socioeconomically underserved backgrounds, showcasing the effectiveness of JAMP’s statewide outreach and mission.
This growth reflects a coordinated, statewide effort among JAMP Administration, JAMP Faculty Directors, medical school partners, and TXHES leadership to support students through a successful application process. The JAMP Administration’s Application Calling Campaign—supported by partners at TMDSAS—played a critical role in guiding students through completing their applications and understanding the program’s mission and expectations. Throughout the application cycle, campus-based JAMP Faculty Directors, undergraduate institutions, and medical school partners across Texas continued to provide mentorship and encouragement, ensuring students had the support they needed at every stage of the journey.
One applicant, Deeya Kameshetty, shared her recent experience:
“Before I submitted my application, I received a phone call from the JAMP office that not only answered my specific questions but also offered motivation and reassurance during a very stressful time. I am truly grateful for the support that JAMP provides... It’s inspiring to see how JAMP has helped students turn their aspirations into reality.”
This testimonial highlights how personalized engagement — from advising to online resources — empowers applicants to navigate the process and believe in their potential as future medical school candidates.
After a competitive application cycle, JAMP now begins a rigorous review process to identify the strongest candidates for the next cohort. All eligible applications have been assigned to their designated medical school application evaluators for review. Following holistic scoring and processing, the JAMP Council will convene on December 9 to select the top applicants for interviews. 100 students will be invited to join the EY26 JAMP cohort — beginning a supported journey toward medical school admission, experiential learning, and eventual medical residency.
As Texas continues to face critical shortages in primary care, mental health services, and rural healthcare access, JAMP plays an increasingly vital role in strengthening the state’s physician pipeline.
Key performance indicators from the 2024 JAMP Program Report (reflecting data from 2010–2024) show:
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Together, these outcomes reflect JAMP’s strong contribution to building and retaining a physician workforce in Texas — particularly through strong primary care representation and in-state retention.
By expanding access to medical education for first-generation, low-income, mission-driven students, JAMP is building a service-oriented physician workforce that reflects the communities it serves — and is reshaping what the future of Texas healthcare looks like.
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.
