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    Fast Facts About Medical Students

    For the first time, more women than men have enrolled in medical school. And that’s not the only change. Get the facts on 2017 medical school applicant trends and enrollment data.

    By Stacy Weiner, Senior Staff Writer
    March 20, 2018
    Medical students at the 2017 commencement ceremony for Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
    Medical students at the 2017 commencement ceremony for Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
    Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

    The numbers are historic: For the first time ever, in 2017 women edged out men among incoming medical school students. Darrell G. Kirch, MD, AAMC president and CEO, called the results “a notable milestone” and a sign that medical schools are creating welcoming environments for female matriculants.

    But these numbers tell only part of the story. Other data collected by the AAMC convey current compelling trends and offer significant insights into the nature of today’s medical school students and tomorrow’s future doctors.

    Here are some highlights:

    1. Number of applicants to medical school: up more than 50% since 2002
    2. New medical schools since 2007: 22
    3. Medical school matriculants: up nearly 30% over the past 15 years
    4. Black or African American medical school matriculants: up 12.6% from 2015 to 2017
    5. Entering medical school students who plan to work in an underserved area: nearly 30%
    6. Medical school applicants who have volunteered in a medical or clinical community setting: 77%

    For more information, read applicant and matriculant tables. You also can check out this video.

    The AAMC has released 2017 data for applicants, matriculants, and enrollment in U.S. medical schools. The data show that, for the first time, more women than men enrolled in U.S. medical schools in 2017.
    Stacy Weiner
    Stacy Weiner, Senior Staff Writer

    Stacy Weiner is a senior staff writer for AAMCNews whose areas of focus include health equity, women's health, mental health, and medical education. She can be reached at stweiner@aamc.org.

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