Washington, D.C., November 2, 2001-Nearly 35,000 individuals applied to U.S. medical schools for the 2001-2002 school year, according to data released today by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This year's applicant pool of 34,859 represents a 6.0 percent decline in the number of applicants from 2000-2001.

"While we can't pinpoint exactly why the numbers continue to decline, we are investigating new ways of communicating to potential doctors why medicine is still among the most noble and gratifying professions," said AAMC President Jordan J. Cohen, M.D. "With an applicant pool more than double the number of available slots, no one need worry about the talents and motivations of our country's future physicians," he said.

"Among the many attractions of medicine as a career are the breathtaking science that will underpin the future practice of medicine, the power of new information technologies to improve the quality of health care, and, most fundamental of all, the doctor-patient relationship," Dr. Cohen said. In his address at the AAMC's 112th Annual Meeting on November 4 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Washington and Towers, Dr. Cohen will elaborate on these ideas and recommend new ways medical schools and faculty can encourage even more students to apply.

While the number of underrepresented minority applicants-which the AAMC classifies as black, Native American, Mexican American/Chicano, and Mainland Puerto Rican-also declined from last year by 4.5 percent (4,284 to 4,091), the number of underrepresented minority matriculants increased 2.6 percent, from 1,741 in 2000 to 1,786 in 2001.

Fewer males applied to medical school this year than last: 18,142 compared with 19,816, an 8.4 percent decline. The decline in female applicants was less steep, down 3.2 percent from 2000 (16,717 vs. 17,273).

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The Association of American Medical Colleges represents the 125 accredited U.S. medical schools; the 16 accredited Canadian medical schools; some 400 major teaching hospitals, including 74 Veterans Administration medical centers; 91 academic and professional societies representing nearly 88,000 faculty members; and the nation's 67,000 medical students and 102,000 residents. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at www.aamc.org/newsroom.

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The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association representing all 129 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 68 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and 94 academic and scientific societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC represents 109,000 faculty members, 67,000 medical students, and 104,000 resident physicians. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at www.aamc.org/newsroom.

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