Abstract

 

 

Priyanka Mehrotra, Kyle Bauckman PhD

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD)

 

INTRODUCTION: The Asian demographic is considered an overrepresented group in higher academia. This is correlated with less scholarship opportunities and recruitment initiatives.  However, little is understood of the overall representation of individual Asian subgroups in medical education.  We sought to examine the Asian subgroup representation in medical schools relative to overall US population.

 

METHODS: Demographic data for US allopathic schools’ matriculation was extracted from the AAMC’s publicly available data reports.  US and regional demographics were extracted from the US 2020 Census data.  Subgroups were distinguished based on groups identified by AAMC.

 

OUTCOMES:  Representation of individual Asian subgroups dramatically varied. Students that identified as Indian were overrepresented relative to the overall representation in the United States; 20% of the Asian American population vs. 32.4% medical student body) while Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese students were significantly underrepresented relative to their representation in the US.  Demographic data was also compared at the State and County.

 

DISCUSSION: Pipeline programs have been found to be an effective method of addressing disparity underrepresented racial groups.  However, we as of this publication a pipeline program to target individual Asian minority groups has yet to be implemented. Our data provides a guide for states to identify the need for Asian subgroup pipeline initiatives.  We aim to survey US allopathic schools to determine current pipeline programs for Asian subgroups and determine the perception of Asian representation in US medical schools.  Our work highlights the need to take a granular approach toward equity and inclusion.