There is an increasing recognition of the importance of diverse representation in
medicine. Several studies have shown that racial concordance can improve patient compliance
and health outcomes in minority populations.
1
Although American medical students are currently more diverse than the work force
of practicing physicians,
2
there are unique barriers that exist for minority applicants interested in competitive
specialties such as urology. Black medical students are less likely to be selected
for awards and honors societies such as Alpha Omega Alpha (which is associated with
matching into competitive specialties),
Diversity in medicine: facts and figures 2019 | AAMC. https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/workforce/report/diversity-medicine-facts-and-figures-2019 (accessed Sept 7, 2021).
3
and there are less obvious factors such as relation to or close connection with a
physician, financial considerations that preclude extensive interview travel and a
longer residency, and the lack of effective mentorship that disproportionally impacts
minority students.
4
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References
- Does diversity matter for health? experimental evidence from Oakland.Am Eco Rev. 2019; 109: 4071-4111
Diversity in medicine: facts and figures 2019 | AAMC. https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/workforce/report/diversity-medicine-facts-and-figures-2019 (accessed Sept 7, 2021).
- Racial privilege and medical student awards: addressing racial disparities in alpha omega alpha honor society membership.J Gen Intern Med. 2020; 35: 3348-3351
- Mentorship and pursuit of academic medicine careers: a mixed methods study of residents from diverse backgrounds.BMC Med Educ. 2014; 14: 26
Census results - American urological association. https://www.auanet.org/research/research-resources/aua-census/census-results (accessed Sept 7, 2021).
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© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
