MC’s Primary Care Pathway Program Is Preparing Skilled, Collaborative Health Care Leaders for TomorrowFebruary 28, 2025

By Joey Schenkman, MC Associate Professor of Biology & PCPP Director

At Midland College, we are committed to providing world-class technical training that prepares students for in-demand careers in the health care field. Through our Primary Care Pathway Program (PCPP), which enables students to complete medical school in just seven years — one year ahead of the traditional timeline — we are not only preparing future health care professionals but also strengthening the pipeline of skilled workers to meet the growing health care demands of the Permian Basin and beyond.

Through this pathway, we have streamlined the journey to becoming a physician, reducing both the time and cost of medical education. Students engage in a rigorous pre-med curriculum, including two summer internships, while receiving dedicated academic advising and support to ensure they are fully prepared for medical school. Those who successfully complete all program requirements within the prescribed time frame may be granted an interview with the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, where they may earn early acceptance into medical school.

Hands-On Learning with Sonography Experts

Health care is a team effort, and understanding the interdisciplinary nature of patient care is crucial for student success. Recently, our PCPP students had the opportunity to learn ultrasound techniques from the expert faculty of Midland College’s Sonography program. This hands-on training provided valuable insight into how diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning. We extend our gratitude to Lupita Copeland, Krista Geesaman, Laurie Fitzgerald, and Melody Riley for sharing their expertise and guiding our students through this experience.

Life-Saving Skills for Future Health Care Providers

In addition to imaging techniques, PCPP students successfully completed CPR and AED training, essential skills for any health care professional. Led by Mr. Anthony Soliz, Chair of Kinesiology, this training reinforced the importance of quick decision-making and emergency response — critical abilities that can save lives in real-world health care settings.

Building a Stronger Health Care Workforce

By integrating technical skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on experiences, Midland College is equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to excel in various health care roles. Programs like PCPP ensure that graduates are not only well-trained but also team-oriented professionals who understand the importance of working across disciplines to provide the best patient care possible.

We are proud to play a role in shaping the next generation of health care professionals — highly skilled, collaborative, and ready to serve our communities.

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More about the PCPP Program:
Midland College students interested in the Primary Care Pathway Program must complete the Intent to Apply form and submit via email to pcpp@midland.edu before their first semester of undergraduate study. Suitability to participate in this program as an undergraduate student will be at the discretion of Midland College PCPP Advisory Committee.