The Playing Field Is Not Level: Advising Disadvantaged Students Through Undergraduate Education – Pre-Health Student Preparation for the Next Step

Abstract

Disadvantaged students face many obstacles and roadblocks on their journey to becoming a healthcare professional. Concepts such as the bachelor's hidden curriculum (BHC), imposter syndrome, and limited cognitive bandwidth provide a framework for pre-health advisors working with these students to understand the constraints under which disadvantaged students might navigate. Advisors familiar with these theoretical constructs can provide more pointed and relevant advice to these students as they work toward their goals. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increased racial unrest following the summer of 2020 add additional stresses and obstacles to aspiring health professionals. This chapter revisits the theoretical constructs while examining in greater depth the additional burdens of the pandemic and increased racial unrest. Case studies are also presented to further illuminate key points.