Our Mission
The Discovery-Integration-Success-Community-Outreach (DISCO) program was established to provide proactive, holistic student support on-site and remotely to Houston and Temple campuses.
DISCO aims to:
- Engage in proactive outreach,
- Increase access to student support,
- Connect students with institutional resources, and
- Normalize seeking academic support.
How DISCO Supports
A key component of our programming is 1-1 academic advising and support meetings, scheduling meetings in an expediated manner to address student concerns in a psychologically safe environment.
DISCO also designs and implements class wide programming, including the Pre-Matriculation Program, a two-week program for incoming early admissions students, and Acclimating to Medicine (AIM), a four-part series to support first-year students in their adjustment to undergraduate medical education.
Furthermore, DISCO designs and implements longitudinal workshop series, including the Pre-Clinical Workshop Series that consists of several sessions on study planning and resources, peer-led Mid-Point review sessions for foundational courses, and a CBSE preparation workshop. The Step 1 and 2 CK workshop series supports our students from first-year to third-year on how to explore their scheduling options and develop a study approach based on best practices.
DISCO also collaborates with institutional partners, including Title IX and Student and Trainee Disability Services, Wellness Coordination Team, Academic Success Center, Career Development Center, and Student Opportunities for Advancement in Research (SOAR). Through ongoing partnership, we work to make sure students are connected with the many resources and supports throughout BCM.
Support Services Offered
One-on-one support:
- Tailored study strategies for the Foundational Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and NBME/USMLE examinations
- Guidance on balancing schedules, research, extracurriculars and your professional identity
- Coping with academic anxiety and bridge support
- Peer tutoring for foundational and clinical science studies
Workshops:
- First Year Academic Strategies
- Step 1 and Step 2 CK Preparation
- NBME Shelf Exam Preparation
2025 Study Resources
- ScholarRX
- Pathoma
- First Aid for USMLE Rx
- NBME Practice Assessments for End-of-Basic Sciences
- UWorld Step 2 CK for Shelf Exam Preparation
- NBME Practice Assessments for Shelf Exam Preparation
- UWorld Step 2 for Step 1 Preparation
- UWorld Step 2 CK for Step 2 CK Preparation
- NBME Practice Assessments for Step 1 and Step 2 CK Preparation
Our Team
The DISCO model of student-support is informed by strengths-based models, counseling psychology and implementation science. Contact us with any questions at DISCO-OSA@bcm.edu.
