Programs help increase number of minority and disadvantaged students admitted to medical schools
From EurekAlert! - Breaking News:
Programs created to increase the enrollment of minority and disadvantaged students to medical schools appear to be effective, according to a study in the September 6 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on medical education.
A racially and ethnically diverse physician workforce is important for increasing access to care for underserved populations and improving the cultural competence of the workforce, according to background information in the article.
One strategy for increasing the diversity of the physician workforce is to implement interventions to support the academic achievement and health career aspirations of minority and low-income youth.
These programs enroll college graduates, most of whom have previously applied unsuccessfully for admission to medical school, and provide an enrichment experience with the aim of making students more competitive medical school applicants.
Currently, more than 75 academic institutions offer nondegree postbaccalaureate premedical programs, many focused on minority and disadvantaged students.
The study included 265 participants in the programs in the 1999 through 2002 academic years and a control group of 396 college graduates who applied to the programs but did not participate.
The UC programs implement a rigorous application process designed to mimic that used by the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
All 5 UC programs offer preparation in studying, test taking, writing personal statements, and interviewing, as well as opportunities for clinical or research experiences.
"Among the continuum of educational pipeline programs, postbaccalaureate interventions are relatively high yield because they require only a single year of intervention, target students who have an explicit commitment to a career in medicine, and have a short timeline for achieving their payoff.
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