Since the 1980s, the Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) has provided an opportunity for students in underserved Kentucky counties, and minority populations underrepresented in healthcare, to explore a career in medicine or dentistry. Although funding changes for the program have occurred, leadership in both the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and the College of Medicine support the continuation of this academic enrichment offering at UK. 

Three PEPP options will be offered in June 2019: PEPP-Scholars, PEPP-DMD, and PEPP-MD. Complete applications for each option are due by Monday, April 1, 2019. There is no fee to apply. 

Incoming fall 2019 college freshman are invited to apply to the PEPP-Scholars program. This two-week program provides an opportunity to gain exposure to medical and dental professions in the hope of solidifying a commitment to a career in one of the areas. The program affords young scholars the chance to observe, network, and volunteer within a healthcare setting. Eligibility and application requirements are available online at meded.med.uky.edu/pepp-scholars. 

The College of Dentistry is offering PEPP-DMD (Discover Modern Dentistry) for rising college juniors and seniors. PEPP-DMD is a one-week summer enrichment program, providing hands-on experiences, for those interested in becoming a dentist to treat underserved populations in rural or urban areas throughout the Commonwealth. Eligibility and application requirements are available online at dentistry.uky.edu/pepp-dmd. 

The College of Medicine is offering PEPP-MD for rising college sophomores who are interested in becoming a physician to serve the Commonwealth. This two-week program provides the chance to gain further understanding of the medical profession and strengthen their knowledge about requirements for future admission to medical school. Eligibility and application requirements are available online at meded.med.uky.edu/pepp-md-dmd.

"The goal of PEPP is to create an awareness of health professions among students from all over the Commonwealth, particularly in areas with shortages of healthcare professionals. We’re also creating a network of PEPP alumni to help mentor participants as they approach future training and careers,” shares Dr. Gitanjali Pinto-Sinai, College of Dentistry, assistant dean of Admissions & Student Affairs.