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Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in medical school admissions through pre-medical mentorship initiatives

Authors

  • Maud Ahmad Western University
  • Jayneel Limbachia Western University
  • George Kim Western University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.78716

Abstract

Implication Statement

ACCESS, a student-led mentorship program affiliated with Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, demonstrates a practical, effective approach to addressing inequity in medical education. ACCESS provides personalized, zero-cost mentorship to equity-deserving applicants who face social, financial, and medical barriers that result in underrepresentation in medical school. Our mentorship model showcases significant success in application and interview outcomes, as well as positive feedback from participants. Here, we offer a replicable blueprint for medical schools across Canada. This paper highlights the effectiveness of student-led initiatives in promoting diversity and inclusion in healthcare education and aims to inspire similar programs, fostering a more diverse and inclusive future healthcare workforce.

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Author Biography

George Kim, Western University

Associate Dean, Admissions, Schulich School of Medicine

References

Khan R, Apramian T, Kang JH, Gustafson J, Sibbald S. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of Canadian medical students: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Educ. 2020;20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02056-x

Mathieu J, Fotsing S, Akinbobola K, et al. The quest for greater equity: a national cross-sectional study of the experiences of Black Canadian medical students. CMAJ Open. 2022;10(4):E937. https://doi.org/10.9778/cmajo.20220192

Kamceva M, Kyerematen B, Spigner S, et al. More Work, Less Reward: The Minority Tax on US Medical Students. J Wellness. 2022;4(1):5. https://doi.org/10.55504/2578-9333.1116

Gault MA, Raha SS, Newell C. Perception of disability as a barrier for Canadian medical students. Can Fam Phys. 2020;66(3):169. /pmc/articles/PMC8302347/ [Accessed May 26, 2023].

Tagliaferro Epler L, Clithero-Eridon A, Ballejos MP. Utilizing mentorship as a tool to recruit community college students into medical school. Community Coll J Res Pract. 2023;47(7):509-513. https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2022.2048744

Grafton-Clarke C, Biggs L, Garner J. Why students from under-represented backgrounds do not apply to medical school. Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning. 2018;20(1):187-198. https://doi.org/10.5456/WPLL.20.1.187

Stenfors-Hayes T, Kalén S, Hult H, Dahlgren LO, Hindbeck H, Ponzer S. Being a mentor for undergraduate medical students enhances personal and professional development. Med Teach. 2010;32(2):148-153. https://doi.org/10.3109/01421590903196995

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Published

2024-09-03

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How to Cite

1.
Ahmad M, Limbachia J, Kim G. Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in medical school admissions through pre-medical mentorship initiatives . Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2024 Sep. 3 [cited 2024 Nov. 15];15(5). Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/78716

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