AAMU Students Join Competitive Summer Program Preparing Future Physicians

Alabama A&M University biology sophomores Dyleshia Bell and Lauren Pettus are one step closer to achieving their dreams of becoming physicians after completing the prestigious Yale Summer Enrichment Medical Academy (YSEMA), an intensive six-week program that prepares promising students for the rigors of medical school.

Bell, of Gadsden, Alabama, and Pettus, of Atlanta, joined 19 other students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Connecticut colleges in the 2026 cohort. Held June 5 through July 18, the program immersed participants in the academic environment of Yale School of Medicine, where they lived in campus residence halls while taking advantage of resources across Yale University, including its museums and research facilities.

Designed for high-achieving students interested in medicine and health care careers, YSEMA equips aspiring physicians with the academic preparation, professional mentorship and clinical exposure needed to compete for admission to medical school.

Throughout the program, students completed intensive coursework in anatomy, biomedical sciences, organic chemistry, molecular biology, public health and medical ethics while learning research methodologies and strengthening their scientific writing skills. They also received MCAT preparation, guidance on the medical school application process, interview coaching and personal statement development.

Students benefited from mentoring relationships with Yale faculty, physicians, researchers and current medical students who shared advice on navigating medical education and building successful careers in health care.

“Programs like YSEMA give our students access to world-class academic preparation and professional mentorship that can truly shape their futures,” said Dr. Jeanette Jones, University Distinguished Professor of Biology, university trustee and Faculty Senate president. “The experience helps students better understand the demands of medicine while also reinforcing that they belong in those spaces.”

For Pettus, the experience affirmed both her career aspirations and her confidence.

“Participating in the YSEMA program has been an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience,” said Pettus. “The rigorous curriculum, from organic chemistry and molecular biology to MCAT preparation and research writing, challenged me academically while my professors’ unwavering support helped me build confidence. Beyond the classroom, developing relationships with other aspiring physicians and learning from established physicians and scientists clarified my long-term goals and strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.”

Bell said the experience strengthened her commitment to becoming a physician while broadening her perspective on the profession.

“Leaving Gadsden, Alabama, where my family has remained for generations, was a massive leap for me,” said Bell. “That step opened my eyes to the power of representation. At Yale, I learned from African American, Puerto Rican, Asian and female physicians and physician-scientists, which inspired me in ways I never expected. YSEMA gave me a realistic look at the medical field, and the experience solidified my belief that I belong in medicine.”

Since Alabama A&M joined the program in 2022, nine Bulldogs have participated in the highly competitive academy. Students are nominated through the Department of Biological Sciences following a rigorous review of their academic performance and faculty recommendations before being considered for final selection by Yale.

This year, 21 students representing HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Connecticut two- and four-year colleges participated in the program. Partner institutions included Alabama A&M, Alcorn State University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Morehouse College, Oakwood University, Spelman College, Xavier University and others.

The partnership reflects Alabama A&M’s longstanding commitment to preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health care while expanding opportunities for underrepresented students in medicine.

As the nation continues to seek a more diverse physician workforce capable of addressing health disparities and providing culturally responsive care, programs like YSEMA help develop the next generation of doctors, researchers and health care leaders.

For Bell and Pettus, the experience represents more than a summer program. They return to Alabama A&M with stronger academic preparation, expanded professional networks and renewed confidence as they continue their journey toward medical school and careers dedicated to improving the health of their communities.

For additional information, contact Dr. Jeanette Jones at jeanette.jones@aamu.edu or Richele Jordan-Davis at richele.jordan@aamu.edu.

From left, Alabama A&M University sophomores Lauren Pettus and Dyleshia Bell stand in front of the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.