Pictured from left to right: Lance McCoy, Jalyce Taylor and Charles Anugwom
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (June 4, 2021) – When the University of Houston College of Medicine (UH COM) welcomed its first class almost a year ago, three Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) alumni were included in the inaugural cohort of 30 students. Jalyce Taylor, Lance McCoy and Charles Anugwom each earned a spot in the program and will be among the first physicians trained at this new medical school in Houston.
McCoy and Anugwom participated in the Texas Undergraduate Medical Academy at PVAMU, while Taylor arrived at PVAMU with dual bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and biology from the University of Tennessee. Taylor spent five years working in health and educational disparities research in Houston and had strong ties to PVAMU through family members, who are alumni. She always knew she wanted to become a physician, so she decided to supplement her degrees with additional research opportunities at PVAMU before applying to UH COM.
“PVAMU helped me to build a solid foundation in the basic sciences that are needed to matriculate into medical school and score well on the medical school entrance exam, MCAT,” Taylor said. “Also, I built great relationships with so many faculty and students that helped to reassure me that I could accomplish the task that I was setting out to complete.”
In addition to PVAMU’s strong science curriculum, the Texas Undergraduate Medical Academy (UMA) was founded in 2004 to help mentor students and develop professional opportunities for students interested in careers in the medical profession, including medicine, dental or veterinary sciences. UMA Director Dennis E. Daniels, MPH, DrPH, oversees the program, which has one of the highest retention and graduation rates in the state.
“The retention rate, 93%, and graduation rate, 95%, for the Texas Undergraduate Medical Academy exceed the state’s average graduation rate at the flagship institutions of University of Texas, Austin and Texas A&M University, as well as Rice University,” Daniels said.
Anugwom joined UMA his freshman year and served as UMA student body president during his senior year, 2019-2020. Like Taylor, he began college with a career in medicine in mind. His acceptance to UH COM will continue his path toward becoming a physician.
Unlike Taylor and Anugwom, McCoy’s journey to medicine wasn’t as straightforward. He started his PVAMU career in the engineering department with plans to get a master’s degree in engineering. After an internship, he realized he wanted to work in a more people-focused field.
“After some deep thought, all signs were pointing towards medicine,” McCoy said. “I had spent ten years acting as a caregiver for both of my grandparents through their respective health challenges. I saw it all.”
He changed majors and joined UMA soon after. McCoy said he was drawn to apply to UH COM because of its mission to improve the health and health care of all people in the Houston area and beyond.
“Lance and Charles are young men who possess great character, integrity, compassion for the community and intellect,” Daniels said of the UMA graduates.
UH COM is one of several medical schools that collaborate and partner with UMA at PVAMU. All members of the inaugural class received the UH COM Inaugural Class Scholarship, which provides $100,000 toward their medical education. Students interested in a career in medicine should reach out to UMA for resources and information on scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
“Many students enter their undergraduate career with the aspiration of becoming a physician. I want each student to know that his or her goal can be accomplished!” Taylor said. “PVAMU is a great place to get a solid foundation in your sciences. [The faculty] have a vested interest in your personal education. Your teachers can only present the material to you; it’s your responsibility to learn and apply the information. Many great physicians have gotten their undergraduate degrees at PVAMU. You can be among those individuals. Envision your success and fiercely go after your goal.”
By Jocelyn Kerr
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