JAMP Faculty Directors (JFDs) from across Texas convened in a series of regional meetings dedicated to collaboration, program review, and planning for the future. Hosted in partnership with medical schools statewide, the sessions created essential space to share ideas, strengthen connections, and reaffirm a collective commitment to the mission of the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP).
These meetings brought together the full spectrum of leadership advancing JAMP’s success. Participants included JAMP Council Members, the Executive Committee, Medical School Coordinators (MSCs), members of the Academic Affairs Committee, the Budget and Finance Committee, and the Research and Development Committee, as well as staff from JAMP, TXHES, and TMDSAS.
Dr. Matthew Meeks, Executive Director of TXHES, opened the meetings by emphasizing JAMP’s vital role in shaping Texas’ future physician workforce and the importance of unified collaboration across campuses.
Together—both in person and online—attendees helped ensure every voice and region was represented in this statewide effort to make the pathway to medical school accessible for JAMP undergraduate scholars.
Across the regional meetings, discussions centered on several key priorities for JAMP’s continued growth and impact:
Scholar Success:
Updates on MCAT preparation initiatives, including partnerships with Jack Westin and ongoing evaluations of supplemental resources, to strengthen readiness and confidence
among JAMP Scholars.
Summer Programs:
Planning for Summer I and II programs focused on academic and professional writing,
research exposure, and clinical readiness—continuing to enhance JAMP’s curriculum
to prepare JAMP Scholars for success in medical school and beyond.
Program Operations:
Review of FY26–27 budget and policy updates, with renewed focus on scholar professionalism
standards, to streamline student support across participating universities.
Future Planning:
Faculty and Council input will inform legislative strategies and the program’s evolving
role as a statewide physician workforce pipeline.
Each host institution provided unique opportunities for JFDs to engage directly with MSCs, Council members, and program leadership. These interactions reinforced the sense of community that sustains JAMP.
“The series of JFD meetings this year were underscored with a strong collaborative energy that generated productive conversation and networking,” said Dr. Cynthia Perry. “I am excited to see the new partnerships and scholar-centered initiatives that will result from the idea sharing that happened over the course of the week.”
“In JAMP, we practice a multiplier mindset,” added Dr. Nina Gonzalez, referencing Liz Wiseman’s framework. “By elevating each other’s ideas and strengths, we turn collaboration into better decisions, better support, and better outcomes for every JAMP Scholar—and, ultimately, for the patients they will serve.”
Feedback from the 2025 JFD Regional Meetings Survey reflected strong engagement and satisfaction across all regions:
84% of attendees were experienced JFDs with over 11 years at their institution.
68% participate in JAMP-related activities monthly.
Overall satisfaction averaged 4.68 out of 5, underscoring the value of these sessions for professional development and program alignment.
Top-attended meetings were hosted by UNTHSC TCOM (Dallas/Fort Worth), McGovern Medical School (Houston), and Long School of Medicine (San Antonio).
74% of attendees agreed the meeting environment was conducive to learning, and 67% agreed that the scheduling and communications were clear and well-managed.
Attendees consistently noted that having medical school personnel and Council members on hand provided valuable insights, and that the regional format fostered closer networking and collaboration among nearby institutions.
“I enjoy the smaller regional meetings—I feel there is good room for discussion,” one participant shared. “It’s a chance to connect with those nearby and exchange ideas that directly impact our scholars.”
Insights from the regional sessions will guide discussions at the upcoming October JAMP Council Meeting at the UT System offices. Faculty and stakeholder feedback will shape ongoing strategies for scholar support, alumni engagement, and long-term program sustainability.
As one JFD reflected, these meetings are more than operational updates—they are a celebration of shared purpose. Together, JAMP Faculty Directors, Council members, and program staff are strengthening the bridge from undergraduate education to medical school and ensuring that opportunity, mentorship, and support continue to define the JAMP experience.
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