A&M Texarkana Third Year Biology Student Johana Ventura Preparing for Medical School and a Career as a Pediatrician

TEXARKANA, Texas - Texas A&M University Texarkana student Johana Ventura is working hard towards her goal of one day attending medical school and becoming a pediatrician. As a member of the highly selective Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP), she's gaining extra experience and preparation to help her follow her dreams.

Johana is a junior biology major from Houston, Texas. The first of her family to attend college, she has her sights set on graduating in the Spring of 2028 and attending one of the state's medical schools. She applied for the JAMP program in the summer before her sophomore year at A&M Texarkana and was one of only 100 students admitted from more than 450 applicants representing 48 colleges and universities across Texas.

The Joint Admission Medical Program is an undergraduate pipeline program created by the Texas Legislature to close the gaps between participation and success for Texans pursuing their dreams of becoming a doctor. JAMP is a collaborative partnership between 68 undergraduate colleges/universities and 14 Texas medical schools to improve medical school access for underserved students.

"Being selected for JAMP is an incredible opportunity, and I am very grateful and excited. My first summer enrichment experience at Texas Tech Medical School was especially meaningful because it allowed me to see what life in medicine could look like and confirmed that this is the path I want to pursue," said Ventura. The internship allowed her to shadow surgeons, family practitioners, and pediatricians, giving her additional clinical experiences beyond what many medical school applicants will have.

Johana is the middle of her family's three children, which includes an 8-year-old brother who has Autism and is non-verbal. Her younger brother is what inspires her to become a pediatrician. "He has a wonderful pediatrician," she said of her brother's doctor. "I see the relationship that they have together, and the wonderful impact he has had on my brother's life. I want to be that kind of doctor for others," she added.

Johana is currently enjoying her classes at A&M Texarkana while also preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) this coming spring. She is receiving additional test preparation through the JAMP Program and will have another immersive internship at a different medical school this summer. Students who successfully navigate all the requirements of the JAMP Program are guaranteed a spot in one of Texas' 14 medical schools after completing their undergraduate education.

"Johana is an exceptionally talented and humble student, and I am very excited and hopeful about her future," said Dr. Nural Alam, A&M Texarkana Professor of Biology and Faculty JAMP Director. "I believe she has the qualities and determination needed to succeed in medicine," Alam said.

For more information about JAMP and the Pre-Health Program at Texas A&M University Texarkana, contact Dr. Nurul Alam at (903)334-6671 or [email protected].