Building the Pipeline: UNT Health Fort Worth and TCC inspire future health science leaders
This summer, 24 Tarrant County College students spent five weeks immersed in careers of the future through the Summer Academy of Health Science, or SAHS, — a collaborative program between TCC and UNT Health Fort Worth.
Now in its third year, SAHS is designed to inspire students to explore careers as providers, researchers, teachers and leaders in health care and public health. The program has grown steadily since its launch, reaching full capacity this summer with a waitlist of more than 20 students eager to participate.
A summer of discovery
From early July through early August, students divided their time between the two campuses. On Tuesdays, they traveled to UNT Health, where faculty from each of the university’s six colleges introduced them to a range of careers through presentations and hands-on activities. Thursdays were spent at TCC Trinity River, where students engaged in immersive health-related experiences led by TCC faculty.
“The mission is simple but powerful,” said Roxanne Zascavage, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the BS-BMSC program at UNT Health. “We want to give students the tools to evaluate careers in health sciences, understand how discovery connects to delivery, and see that their skills and passion can serve communities in many ways.”
Hands-on learning
Students gained firsthand experience in a wide array of disciplines. They earned Stop the Bleed certification, practiced suture techniques, compounded medications in pharmacy labs and experienced a day in the life of a physical therapist inside a simulation center.
They also toured UNT Health’s Centers for Anatomical Studies and Human Identification, explored forensic nursing and anthropology, and participated in interactive activities on health disparities and public health.
Equally impactful were the personal stories shared by faculty and professionals. “Our presenters share not only what they do but how they got there,” Zascavage said. “Students realize that many of us didn’t take a straight path to success. That’s encouraging — they see there are many ways to make an impact.”
Student spotlight: From uncertainty to inspiration
For Madeleine Lambert, the Summer Academy was more than a program — it was a turning point.
Encouraged by her anatomy and physiology professor to apply, Lambert joined SAHS unsure of her future. “I initially wanted to be a rad tech, but wasn’t certain it was for me,” she said. “I knew being able to explore multiple careers would help me choose my future profession and pathway.”
What she discovered changed her outlook. “Realizing that medical professionals — whether they are doctors or anthropologists — are normal people was inspiring,” Lambert said. “As a parent in school, I realized I didn’t have to take an easier two-year program to get into the medical field. SAHS helped me see that my dreams are not too big, and there is a community of dreamers waiting to welcome me.”
Today, Lambert is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences at UNT Health, with plans to enter the master’s bridge program and eventually attend medical school. “TCOM is my top choice,” she said.
Her advice to other TCC students: “Do it! You won’t just get an education — you’ll get lifelong friends and unconditional support. The professors love what they do, and it shows in their work. I highly recommend transferring to UNT Health to continue your education. It is budget friendly and extremely supportive.”
Lasting impact 
The program’s influence doesn’t stop when summer ends. One participant received a scholarship directly tied to her SAHS experience, and three students from previous cohorts are now enrolled in educational programs at UNT Health.
Even more, many leave with a new sense of direction. “They may come in saying they want to be a doctor or a nurse because that’s all they’ve known,” Zascavage said. “But by the end, they might discover their passion lies in pharmacy, physician assistant studies or clinical nutrition.”
Building a regional pipeline
SAHS is co-led by Zascavage and Eileen Preston, Ph.D., of TCC, with long-standing support from faculty including Vic Holmes, MPAS, Ed.D.; Rolly Neba, Pharm.D., BCACP; and Kate Lesciotto, Ph.D.
For Zascavage, watching the academy grow stronger each year has been deeply rewarding. “This program shows what’s possible when higher education institutions partner to meet workforce needs,” she said. “It’s about inspiring the next generation and showing them their place in the future of health care.”
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