[PHP-4] Barriers to Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Minorities in US Medical Schools
Jaya Agrawal, MSIV, BA, American Medical Student Association, Providence, RI
American Medical Student Association, Box G, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, 02912
Background: Underrepresented minority enrollment and retention in medical schools have declined dramatically for the past 12 years.
Methods: In response, the American Medical Student Association in collaboration with a coalition of medical professional associations and the Office of Minority Health, developed criteria by which to qualitatively and quantitatively examine recruitment, admissions, retention; and support programs at all US medical schools. The resulting assessment tool was distributed to all medical school Deans of Student Affairs.
Results: Based on the preliminary data, a majority of the schools reported that enrichment programs, site visits, and pre-admission counseling were the most effective recruitment strategies for underrepresented minorities. Most frequently cited barriers to recruitment of underrepresented minorities included educational barriers such as low MCAT scores and institutional barriers, such as lack of financial aid. A majority of schools rated their own recruitment and retention efforts between 5 and 7 on a scale of 1 to 10, and nearly all felt that improvement was possible.
Conclusion: Current trends show that our nation becomes more diverse; our medical classrooms become less representative. A diverse health professions workforce is critical to the effort to provide culturally competent care and eliminate health disparities. The data support the need for investment in enrichment programs, site visits, pre-admission counseling, financial aid, and educational interventions in minority communities.
