McNeese Physician Preparatory Pathway Program (P4)

About the Physician Preparatory Pathway (P4)

The Physician Preparatory Pathway Program (P4) inspires Springfield-area students to pursue careers in medicine and provides early mentorship within the local medical community.

Beginning in their freshman year of high school, students participate in a four-year after-school program designed to build the academic foundation, confidence, and professional skills needed to succeed in medical careers. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to real-world healthcare environments, P4 gives students a meaningful head start toward medical school.

Participants engage in special lectures, laboratory skill development, job shadowing, research exposure, problem-based learning, and college-planning seminars. Sessions are led by SIU Medicine physicians, faculty researchers, medical students, and community educators—providing students with role models who reflect the future of medicine.

P4 is open to high school students throughout Springfield and surrounding communities. While students are selected through a competitive process, special consideration is given to those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and students who may become first-generation college graduates.

By strengthening the pipeline into medicine, P4 helps ensure that tomorrow’s physicians reflect and serve the diverse communities of central and southern Illinois.

Your support expands opportunity, removes barriers, and empowers motivated students to pursue their dreams of becoming physicians.