Diversity in the Health Professions

In exploring the national programs, scholarships, and groups for minority pre-health students, students should also consider the support available through Drexel University. In particular, there is a Drexel MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-medical Students) Chapter, which is an undergraduate affiliate of the SNMA (Student National Medical Association). For more information about the MAPS Chapter, students can email Drexel's Pre-health advisor, who serves as the professional staff advisor for the chapter. 

First-year students are encouraged to explore the Summer Health Professions Education Program (formerly known as the SMDEP), which is a free summer academic and career development program for students who identify as underrepresented minorities or are from communities of socioeconomic or educational disadvantage. The program exposes students to a wide range of careers in the health professions.

For more information regarding underrepresented groups in medicine, refer to the Association of American Medical Colleges' Medical Minority Applicant Registry (Med-MAR).

General Resources

• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Advancing Diversity in Medicine – Various resources offered through AAMC related to diversity and inclusion in medical education
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Minority Medical Student Resources – Information page for current and future medical professionals from minority backgrounds
• American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Diversity Statement – Essential information for pre-dental students of minority backgrounds
• Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Diversity Statement – Essential information for pre-veterinary students of minority backgrounds

Scholarships

• Minority Scholarships – National and local scholarship programs available for students pursuing various health professions including medical school, nursing, and public health.
• National Medical Fellowships (NMF) General Scholarships – Scholarship and award programs offered through National Medical Fellowships.
• American Society of Hematology (ASH) Minority Medical Student Award – Summer research scholarship program designed to introduce minority medical students to hematology.
• Public Health Scholarships – Listing of scholarships available to students pursuing public health professions.
• Indian Health Service – The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives – Provides scholarships that cover tuition and other educational expenses. Recipients must commit to a minimum of two years of service or more, depending upon the specific scholarship.
• National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship Program – Scholarships are available for students enrolled in medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, public health or health policy programs.
• Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program – Merit scholarships that cover tuition and other educational expenses are offered in a wide range of health professions. Recipients are required to serve full-time for two–four years in a medically underserved area in Hawaii.

Professional Groups and Organizations

• American Medical Association Minority Affairs Section – Network of medical students and physicians concerned with underrepresented minority physicians in the United States.
• Student National Medical Association (SNMA) – Oldest student-run organization in the United States supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students.
• National Medical Association – Oldest and largest U.S. national organization for African American physicians and patients.
• National Medical Fellowships – Nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of minority health care professionals.
• Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) – U.S. nonprofit organization representing medical students from Latino(a) backgrounds.
• Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) – National student-run organization of Asian American students in the medical community.
• African American Health Professional Organizations – List of groups for African American professionals across various health care occupations.

LGBTQIA+

While the Association of American Medical Colleges currently does not consider LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) applicants to be an underrepresented minority in medicine, there are many professional groups, scholarships, and developmental resources available to LGBTQIA+ students considering a career in health care.

In addition to exploring the following resources, LGBTQIA+ students considering a career in health care should also utilize the Steinbright Career Development Center's job search and professional development resources for LGBTQIA+ students. Students are encouraged to speak with the Steinbright pre-health advisor with any questions or concerns about disclosure through the medical school admissions process.

• American Medical Student Association (AMSA) Gender and Sexuality Action Committee – Links to student resources and organizations for the LGBTQ+ medical student community, including an LGBTQ+ pre-med Facebook group and admissions considerations for LGBTQ+ applicants.
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index – Evaluates health care facility policies and practices concerning diversity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients and employees.
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) LGBTQ+ Student Scholarship Database – Expansive database of state-by-state scholarships available to LGBTQ+ students.
• GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality – World's largest association of LGBTQ+ health care professionals.
• Pride Foundation Scholarship Funds – Listing of over 50 individual scholarships offered through the Pride Foundation, a regional community group expanding opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals.