Recruitment of Underrepresented Minorities in Medical School Through a Student-led Initiative

Abstract

The goal of matriculating a diverse medical cohort remains important for institutions across the country as it results in an increase in the diversity of the physician workforce. By admitting students who are underrepresented in medicine, the pressing health needs of the growing and diverse patient population of our country can be met by physicians who are representative of their communities. Given the challenges of choosing from a small pool of applicants, medical schools should consider seeking the support of current medical students in expanding the applicant pool and recruiting the next generation of physicians. The purpose of this paper is to describe a student-led initiative established at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine for recruiting students underrepresented in medicine. Through this pipeline program, current underrepresented applicants experience a two-day recruitment event that introduces them to life as a medical student. Incorporating current medical students in recruitment programming allows institutions to access a knowledgeable and inspirational resource that is readily available. Current medical students can provide firsthand perspectives into the journey that is medical school while serving as role models for future physicians.