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Diverse group of doctors stacking hands in an operating room table.
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    Creating and Sustaining a Diverse and Culturally Responsive Workforce

    According to census data, the U.S. population is projected to become a majority-minority in 2045, thereby increasing the need to prepare and train health care professionals who are culturally responsive and equipped to provide quality care in a multicultural society. Yet only about 9% of current physicians identify as black or African American, Native American or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latino. In 2010, only 1.1% of National Institutes of Health principal investigators on research project grants were black. 

    The AAMC and its member institutions are dedicated to promoting an inclusive and culturally competent health and biomedical workforce that supports improvements in health care, access to providers and health facilities, innovative breakthroughs in medical research, and equitable health for all patients regardless of their backgrounds. This is accomplished by using a holistic review process for medical school applications, engaging underrepresented communities through pipeline programs, and providing support for individuals such as those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, sometimes referred to as "DREAMers."

    Female doctor walks down a hospital hallway.
    Why women leave medicine

    Research shows that almost 40% of women physicians go part-time or leave medicine altogether within six years of completing their residencies. Here’s why.

    • October 1, 2019
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    Workforce development programs help serve the underserved

    The Title VII Health Professions and Title VIII Nursing Workforce development programs play a critical role in training a workforce.

    • March 22, 2019
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    Medical schools are becoming more diverse

    Women comprised more than half of applicants and enrollees in 2018, new AAMC data reveal.

    • December 7, 2018
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    21st Century Health Care Workforce Development

    As the academic medicine community works to combat the physician shortage, all stakeholders need to ensure that our physician workforce is diverse.

    • November 14, 2018
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    Confronting the crisis: Attracting Native students to medicine

    After years of failing to produce a robust American Indian and Alaska Native workforce, medical schools need to up their game, says co-author of a new report.

    • October 30, 2018
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    Pipeline Programs and System Reform: A Path to Improving Health Equity

    Pipeline programs help promote a diverse, culturally competent health care and biomedical research workforce to enhance patient care and ensure health equity.

    • July 5, 2018
    Elementary Students were doctors coats pose for the camera.
    Pre-Premed: Pipeline Efforts Steer Elementary School Students Into Medicine

    Children as young as six are being encouraged to consider medical school. Find out how this could help medically underserved communities in the future.

    • January 9, 2018

    Summer Health Professions Education Program

    The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. 

    News & Insights on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

    DACA protestors on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
    DACA students risk everything to become doctors

    Nearly 200 undocumented students and residents are currently training in U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals.

    • September 17, 2019
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    A Threat to Immigration, A Threat to Care

    The immigrant son of an immigrant physician—now also a physician himself—reveals how stricter immigration controls and rescinding DACA will harm all patients.

    • February 6, 2018

    AAMC Diversity Initiatives

    Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition

    HPNEC, convened by the AAMC, is a coalition of 70 organizations advocated for the Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development and diversity programs.

    Advancing Holistic Review

    Holistic review refers to mission-aligned admissions or selection processes that consider a broad range of factors — experiences, attributes, and academic metrics — when reviewing applications.

    Urban Universities for HEALTH

    The long-term vision of Urban Universities for HEALTH is to enhance and expand a culturally sensitive, diverse, and prepared health workforce that improves health and reduces health disparities in urban communities.

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    Understand the Issues & the Policies

    Learn more about the Title VII and VII Health Professions Training Programs and the AAMC's position on them.

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    Data & Reports

    Resources on topics related to creating and sustaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce

    More Data & Reports

    Advocacy-Related News & Insights

    AAMC Files Amicus Brief in DHS v. Regents of the University of California

    The AAMC joined an amicus brief in support of the DACA program.

    • October 4, 2019
    AAMC Joins Higher Ed Community Letter Endorsing DACA Legislation

    The AAMC joined 37 higher education organizations on a March 20 letter led by the American Council on Education to House leadership in support of the American D

    • March 22, 2019
    White House Releases Proposal for Higher Education Act Reauthorization

    The White House March 18 released Proposals for Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act (HEA). The administration stated the goal for HEA is to “increase access

    • March 22, 2019
    House and Senate Education Committees Hold Hearings on the Higher Education Act

    The House Education and Labor Committee March 13 held a hearing titled, “The Cost of College: Student Centered Reforms to Bring Higher Education Within Reach.”

    • March 15, 2019
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