DOCC- Diversifying Our Curing Community

Diversifying Our Curing Community (DOCC) is a selective program for students who are interested in a career as a medical doctor.

Diversifying Our Curing Community (DOCC) received funding from the College of Sciences & Mathematics and the Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement to begin operation in the summer of 2021.  Within six months, a grant submitted to the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas was funded effective January 1, 2022 and renewed for 2023.  The goal of the program is to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who are accepted into medical schools in the state of Arkansas.

DOCC is a four-year program that provides the following benefits to students:

1. $1500 stipend per semester for those who remain eligible
2. Summer program (Aug 7-11) which includes instruction in chemistry and mathematics, housing, meals, mentoring, advising, and cohort building activities. $600 stipend for attending summer program.
3. Intensive advising by science faculty members and UAMS staff
4. Pre-med programs at NYITCOM
5. Research experience with a faculty member from A-State, ABI, or NYITCOM
6. MCAT prep course (fee paid by DOCC)
7. MCAT exam fee paid by DOCC

In order to apply for the DOCC program you need to be an admitted, incoming freshman student at Arkansas State University. To apply, please complete the following steps:

1. Complete Application
2. Send high school transcript (unofficial is fine) and essay explaining your interest in a career as a medical doctor (max 500 words) to lonniew@astate.edu.

As part of the selection process, applicants will participate in an interview by faculty members of the selection committee. 

D.O.C.C. Events:

(Pictured above: DOCC students at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Program with Vice Chancellor Dr. Lonnie Williams)

(Pictured above: DOCC student, Elise Brazile, singing the Negro National Anthem at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Program.)

(Pictured above: DOCC students with Dr. King Day speaker and author, Dr. Donald “Doc” Arnette.)

(Pictured above: DOCC students during finals study session.)

(Pictured above: DOCC students at Escape Room)

(Pictured above: Ahniya Williamson serving food at the 2023 Soul Food Dinner)

(Pictured above: Elise Brazile singing the Black National Anthem at the 2023 Soul Food Dinner)

(Pictured above: Amari Jackson at the Black Women in Medicine Event in February)

(Pictured above:  Summer 2023 DOCC Program Participants)

This program is made possible through a grant from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas.