Diversity in the health professions
Certain populations are underrepresented in the health professions relative to their numbers in the general population of the United States. Oftentimes, those same communities have less access to health care services and/or poorer health outcomes. The resources below relate both to supports for pre-health students from groups that are underrepresented in the health professions and to programs that seek to address health disparities.
Post-baccalaureate programs
Creighton University Dental and Medical Post-Baccalaureate Programs (offers conditional admission)
‘Imi Ho‘ōla Post Baccalaureate Program at the University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine (offers conditional admission)
New Mexico (PrEP) (research)
NIH - National Institute of Health (research)
Tufts PREP (research)
Professional preparation resources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association S.T.E.P. Mentoring Program
Applying to MD/PhD programs A webinar co-sponsored by the Harvard Medical School Office for Diversity Inclusion & Community Partnership, the Tour for Diversity in Medicine, and the Biomedical Sciences Career Program.
Explore Health Careers Health careers, internship opportunities, scholarships, and more.
Information from the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions
Mi Mentor Pre-med/health mentoring program for underrepresented students.
Pawsibilities Pawsibilities Vet Med is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups into the veterinary profession.
Resources for trans students and those interested in transgender health
Why Diversity Matters in Health Care Includes lots of links to resources
Professional and pre-professional associations/organizations
American Medical Association Advisory Committee on LGBTQ Issues
American Medical Women’s Association The only multispecialty organization dedicated to advancing women in medicine and improving women’s health
Association of American Indian Physicians See their page on Student Programs!
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) is the world’s largest and oldest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) health care professionals.
Gender & Sexuality Action Committee of the American Medical Student Association
Latino Medical Student Association The LMSA was founded to represent, support, educate, and unify US Latino(a) medical students.
National Hispanic Medical Association A non-profit association representing the interests of 50,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the United States
Race, Ethnicity, and Culture in Health Action Committee of the American Medical Student Association
SACNAS Society for Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science
Student National Medical Association The SNMA is the nation’s oldest and largest independent, student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color.
Summer programs
Albert Einstein Office of Diversity Enhancement Scroll to “pipeline programs” and click to open the descriptions.
Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences (BDBS)
Columbia University Summer Public Health Scholars Program The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) is designed for undergraduate students to increase interest in and knowledge of public health and biomedical science careers. African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, people with disabilities, economically-disadvantaged and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.
Des Moines University’s Health Professions Advanced Summer Scholars Program – Health P.A.S.S.
Program Eligibility: Preference will be given to applicants entering their junior or senior year and demonstrating need in any of the following categories:
Economically Disadvantaged: Family income must be within federal low-income guidelines. Family tax returns are required to be considered economically disadvantaged. If you are unsure if you qualify, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may provide some guidance.
Educationally Disadvantaged: Neither parent has completed a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Under-represented Minority: Racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population.
Diversity Summer Health-Related Research Education Program (DSHREP) Explicitly includes people with disabilities!
Entry Point! Entry Point! identifies and recruits students with apparent and non-apparent disabilities studying in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business for internship and co-op opportunities.
Focus on Your Future This week-long summer program introduces Illinois College of Optometry and the profession of optometry to underrepresented minority undergraduates. Participants meet ICO staff, faculty, students and alumni, see our facilities, and get to know Chicago.
Four Directions Summer Research Program
Gateways to the Laboratory Program Summer program for underrepresented minority and disadvantaged college students who wish to pursue the combined MD-PhD degree
Harvard Medical School Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP)
Health Career Connection Public health summer internship program that focuses on diverse participants and preparation for a career in public health. Paid.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - Summer Internship Program Explicitly includes people with disabilities!
Fantastic compilation of summer opportunities from Johns Hopkins University
Medical/Dental Preparatory Program (MCAT or DAT Prep Course; or Basic Medical Science Course)
Is for college sophomores, juniors, seniors or recent graduates.
Be from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the health professions (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Native Alaskan, Native Hawaiian) or others from disadvantaged backgrounds who meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Northeast Regional Alliance (NERA) MedPrep A free summer enrichment program for under-represented and/or economically disadvantaged college students interested in the medical field. (New York City and New Jersey residents only.)
Preparation for Graduate and Medical Education (PARAdiGM) PARAdiGM is UAB's NIH/NHLBI R25 funded summer program for outstanding undergraduates from disadvantaged and underrepresented minority backgrounds who want to explore the potential of a future career as a physician-scientist - becoming a scientific investigator and a practicing physician.
Rutgers University Project L/earn
Summer enrichment programs database
Summer Health Professions Education Program
Summer Internships in Biological Sciences in Public Health, at Harvard School of Public Health
Another great list from Swarthmore College
Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program
UCLA Pre-Medical Enrichment Program PREP is a 5-week intensive summer program that provides premedical students with the means to strengthen their ability and readiness to study medicine. Full participation in the PREP program allows participants to enhance their chances of being accepted to medical school and succeeding once there. PREP is designed to support students who have experienced social, economic, or educational disadvantage in their journey to medical education. The program prepares students through academic enrichment, personal development, MCAT review sessions, longitudinal application support, focus on health disparities, interview skills and practice, and longitudinal mentorship.
UM-SMART Undergrad Summer Program For undergraduate students who are potentially interested in obtaining a combined MD/PhD degree