Sunsetting of SHPEP Iowa

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) concluded its final summer in 2026 after 38 years of supporting students pursuing careers in the health professions. The University of Iowa proudly served as an SHPEP program site from 2017 through 2026, contributing to the program’s lasting impact alongside thousands of students, alumni, partners, and institutional leaders nationwide.

Following careful deliberation and research, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), SHPEP’s founding partner and primary funder, made the decision to sunset the national initiative and redirect its resources toward other priorities.

Although SHPEP Iowa has concluded, our commitment to supporting aspiring health professionals continues. The University of Iowa is currently developing a new pathway program for Iowa undergraduate students interested in medicine and physician assistant careers. Additional information about this opportunity will be shared as planning progresses.