@Penny Schnarrs It is encouraging. We need to build on successes that have contributed to these increases, while acknowledging that we can do better as an academic medicine community. Data is critical to guide and inform our diversity efforts. At the AAMC, our
strategic plan is focused on not only attracting more diversity to our institutions, but considering strategies for creating more inclusive, and anti-racist environments where everyone can thrive.
To accelerate diversity efforts, AAMC is approaching this work with a systems-based mindset. We know that pathway programs are effective; however, they are not sufficient to address the systemic barriers that exist along the medical education continuum. How do we as a broader community make the path to medical school more equitable, accessible and inclusive? Where do we, as the academic medicine community, go from here? There is so much opportunity for systems change. Here are some thoughts to consider:
1. While we celebrate small wins for some groups, how can we work together to address the historic trends in underrepresentation for specific groups? Disaggregating the data and considering intersectionality is important to inform our efforts. For example, as a community, how do we all take responsibility for increasing the representation and engagement of
American Indian and Alaska Native communities? How are we making medical education more accessible to
individuals whose family income is near or at poverty levels?
2. What are the opportunities to reexamine existing policies, procedures and practices that reinforce the current system? Does your institution rely on the same networks or institution types to attract and engage prospective students? How can institutional recruitment practices be more inclusive of students from community colleges?
3. How do we leverage existing effective practices that demonstrate improved outcomes in increasing diversity, like
holistic admissions?
4. Academic health centers are often viewed as "anchors" in their local communities. How can we contribute to community health and address the social determinants of education - the systems factors, like funding for K-12 schools that often lack adequate resources to prepare young people for careers in STEMM?
5. What systems can we put in place to increase accountability for mission based diversity goals?
6. How can we build coalitions within our communities, on regional and national levels, and across the health professions to bring about systems change? In partnership with the National Medical Association, AAMC is exploring
collective impact as an approach to addressing the representation of Black men in medicine.
These are just a few questions to ponder. I hope that we take the time to look closely at the data, reflect, and consider how each of our medical schools and teaching hospitals can actively contribute to increasing diversity in medicine. Using this forum to share effective practices and lessons learned can be one catalyst to advance systems change.
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Norma Poll-Hunter
Senior Director, Diversity Policy and Programs
Association of American Medical Colleges
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-07-2021 15:30
From: Penny Schnarrs
Subject: Good News! Medical School Enrollment More Diverse in 2021
New AAMC data show that U.S. medical schools attracted and enrolled a more diverse class in the 2021-22 academic year, with gains in applicants and enrollees, who identified as Black, Hispanic/Latino/a, and women (see side chart). Additionally, the number of applicants showed a substantial increase, up nearly 18% from last year.
Strength of the incoming class
- The median undergraduate GPA was 3.81, even higher than in past years.
- Total community service hours performed were even higher per matriculant than last year: nearly 15 million (mean is nearly 650 hours per student)
- Matriculants range in age from 16 to 55, an even wider range than last year, with 672 over 30 years of age.
- 163 are military veterans.
Read more and see the full data sets available now.
The gains in medical school enrollment of students from underrepresented groups are encouraging, but there is still much more work to be done, including increasing the representation of American Indian and Alaska Native communities, to ensure that our nation's diversity is reflected in the future physician workforce.
The AAMC and our member medical schools are deeply committed to significantly increasing the number of applicants and students from underrepresented groups.
@Norma Poll-Hunter, while this initially seems encouraging, where do we go from here?
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Penny Schnarrs
Virtual Communities Program Manager
Association of American Medical Colleges
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