The Center of Excellence for Research and Program Innovation (CERPI) at Voorhees University in Denmark, South Carolina, has signed an agreementwith the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) in The Bahamas that will open the door for students at the HBCU to pursue a medical degree.
Under the agreement, 10 students in the VU White Coat Scholars Program can enroll in WAUSM’s medical degree program upon completion of their bachelor’s degrees. Eligible students will need to maintain a strong academic performance, achieve a minimum MCAT score, and demonstrate professionalism and leadership skills. Students who participate in the White Coat Scholars Program will receive mentorship. academic support, and early exposure to medical education pathways, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of medical school.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding access to medical education for our students,” said Zhabiz Golkar, founder and executive director of CERPI. “By creating a structured and supportive pathway, we are empowering our scholars to achieve their dreams of becoming physicians while addressing the growing need for diverse healthcare professionals.”

