Examining the Gap Between Medical School Matriculation and Graduation Rates Amongst Self-Identified Minorities

PurposeDespite increasing diversity, data indicates that there is a gap between the matriculation or admission of and graduation rates amongst medical students who identify with racial or ethnic minority groups. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers experienced by minority medical students that may account for this gap.MethodsAn IRB approved online survey was created, and distributed electronically to minority medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. Information on demographics, family dynamics, academic struggles, health issues, financial difficulties and faculty diversity was collected via self-report.ResultsParticipants (n = 167) who completed the survey identified as Black/African/African American (60%), Hispanic/Latinx (26%), Asian (8%), and as Other racial or ethnic minority (6%). The majority of survey participants graduated within the traditional 4 years of medical school (83%) and 17% did not. The most frequently reported reason was to pursue academic advancement (42%) which included completing a research year, dual degree, or PhD. The second reason was due to academic deficiencies (38%), either course failure or failure of a board exam. The majority of respondents (59%) also reported not having enough faculty members who were members of racial or ethnic minority groups at their medical school.ConclusionsOur data suggests the majority of racial and ethnic minority medical students graduate within the traditional 4 years of medical school. However, if they do not, it is either due to academic advancement to become a more successful residency applicant, or due to academic issues. The majority of respondents reported that they perceive a lack of racial and ethnic minority faculty members in academics.     

NIH Funding and Career Development Opportunities for Women in Reproductive Immunology

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a number of mechanisms available to support research, research training and research career development. The various institutes, centers and special offices within the NIH have, as part of their missions, a diverse array of basic and clinical research goals. Much of the scientific spectrum of reproductive immunology, however, falls within the mission of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). There have been a number of recent innovations in the preparation, review and funding of NIH grant applications. Specific opportunities, such as fellowships, career awards, and new investigator status, are available for investigators at different career stages. A wealth of information is available on the NIH website at www.nih.gov. NIH staff are available to answer your questions and to provide administrative guidance in preparing grant applications.     

An instrument for determining the amount of NIH support for clinical investigations at one academic health center.

PURPOSE: Although interest in supporting clinical investigators is increasing, information regarding the quantity, spectrum, and specific types of clinical research performed in academic health centers (AHCs) is generally not available. The authors report on an instrument to quantify the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded component of clinical research at one institution. METHOD: A systematic review of all NIH grants awarded to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in fiscal year (FY) 1997-98 was performed using public information from two NIH Internet sources. Research abstracts from all 487 grants were reviewed and the percentage and type of clinical research activity within each was estimated and compared with estimates provided by a subset of principal investigators. RESULTS: During FY 1997-98, the MGH received $134 million in total NIH funding; $39.9 million (30%) supported the broadest definition of clinical research (that using human materials). When the definition of clinical research was narrowed to direct interaction between investigator and patient for investigative purposes (patient-oriented research), the total for clinical research was $18.2 million. These numbers significantly exceeded the institution's previous estimates of $.6 million for NIH-sponsored clinical trials and $2.2 million for population-based studies. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical investigation is an important component of AHCs' research portfolios from several perspectives, not the least of which is financial. Data on the clinical component of an institution's research effort should be collected prospectively and nationally to inform the optimal allocation of research resources and the alignment of the AHC's infrastructure.     

Detecting implicit racial bias in provider communication behaviors to reduce disparities in healthcare: Challenges,solutions, and future directions for provider communication training

Since publication of Unequal Treatment by the Institute of Medicine in 2003, there has been a growing recognition of the role of provider implicit racial bias in patient care. Provider implicit racial bias has been consistently negatively associated with both care satisfaction and provider trust among racial/ethnic minority patients. This suggests provider implicit racial bias likely manifests through their communication behaviors, which in turn may offer a means of addressing racial disparities in healthcare and ultimately in health. However, identifying provider communication behaviors that mediate the links between provider implicit racial bias and patient outcomes is challenging. In this paper, we argue that identifying these provider communication behaviors requires (1) taking into account findings from social psychology research of implicit racial bias and (2) incorporating the perspectives of racial/ethnic minority patients into patient-provider communication research. We discuss the utility of mixed methods research designs as a framework for resolving this complex scientific question. Research that draws on social psychology research of implicit racial bias and incorporates the racial/ethnic minority patient perspectives can inform the development of communication skills training programs for students and residents in various healthcare fields. Such programs are one element of a broader effort to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare.     

Ecodevelopmental contexts for preventing type 2 diabetes in Latino and other racial/ethnic minority populations

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and it is now cited along with obesity as a global epidemic. Significant racial/ethnic disparities exist in the prevalence of diabetes within the US, with racial and ethnic minorities disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes and its complications. Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic factors influence the development and course of diabetes at multiple levels, including genetic, individual, familial, community and national. From an ecodevelopmental perspective, cultural variables assessed at one level (e.g., family level dietary practices) may interact with other types of variables examined at other levels (e.g., the availability of healthy foods within a low-income neighborhood), thus prompting the need for a clear analysis of these systemic relationships as they may increase risks for disease. Therefore, the need exists for models that aid in “mapping out” these relationships. A more explicit conceptualization of such multi-level relationships would aid in the design of culturally relevant interventions that aim to maximize effectiveness when applied with Latinos and other racial/ethnic minority groups. This paper presents an expanded ecodevelopmental model intended to serve as a tool to aid in the design of multi-level diabetes prevention interventions for application with racial/ethnic minority populations. This discussion focuses primarily on risk factors and prevention intervention in Latino populations, although with implications for other racial/ethnic minority populations that are also at high risk for type 2 diabetes. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official view of the National Center On Minority Health And Disparities or the National Institutes of Health. Submitted to: Journal of Behavioral Medicine.     

Racism and health inequity among Americans

Research reports often cite socioeconomic status as an underlying factor in the pervasive disparities in health observed for racial/ethnic minority populations. However, often little information or consideration is given to the social history and prevailing social climate that is responsible for racial/ethnic socioeconomic disparities, namely, the role of racism/racial discrimination. Much of the epidemiologic research on health disparities has focused on the relationship between demographic/clinical characteristics and health outcomes in main-effects multivariate models. This approach, however, does not examine the relationship between covariate levels and the processes that create them. It is important to understand the synergistic nature of these relationships to fully understand the impact they have on health status. PURPOSE: A review of the literature was conducted on the role that discrimination in education, housing, employment, the judicial system and the healthcare system plays in the origination, maintenance and perpetuation of racial/ethnic health disparities to serve as background information for funding Program Announcement, PA-05-006, The Effect of Racial/ Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Healthcare Delivery (http:// grants.nih.gov/grants/ guide/pa-files/PA-05-006.html). The effect of targeted marketing of harmful products and environmental justice are also discussed as they relate to racial/ethnic disparities in health. CONCLUSION: Racial/ethnic disparities in health are the result of a combination of social factors that influence exposure to risk factors, health behavior and access to and receipt of appropriate care. Addressing these disparities will require a system that promotes equity and mandates accountability both in the social environment and within health delivery systems.     

Knowledge of the Tuskegee study and its impact on the willingness to participate in medical research studies

The under-representation of racial/ethnic minorities among medical research participants has recently resulted in mandates for their inclusion by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Therefore, there is a need to determine how history, attitudes, cultural beliefs, social issues, and investigator behavior affect minority enrollment in medical research studies. From January 1998 to March 1999, 179 African-American and white residents of the Detroit Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) participated in a mail and telephone survey designed to examine impediments to African-American participation in medical research studies. Chi-square tests were performed to assess differences between the study groups using the Survey Data Analysis Program (SUDAAN). Eighty-one percent of African Americans and 28% of whites had knowledge of the Tuskegee Study (p = <0.001). Knowledge of the Tuskegee Study resulted in less trust of researchers for 51% of African-Americans and 17% of whites (p = 0.02). Forty-six percent of African-Americans and 34% of whites indicated that their knowledge of the study would affect future research participation decisions (p = 0.25). Of these, 49% of African-Americans and 17% of whites would not be willing to participate in future medical research studies (p = 0.05). This study confirms the need for medical researchers to confront the issue of the Tuskegee Study and its continuing impact on African-Americans' trust of medical research studies.     

A qualitative investigation to inform yoga intervention recruitment practices for racial/ethnic minority adolescents in outpatient mental health treatment

ObjectiveYoga is recognized as an effective approach to improving overall physical and mental health; however, there may be perceived barriers to yoga participation, particularly among populations most at risk for mental health issues. We conducted qualitative formative research to help inform recruitment practices for a future study and to specifically understand the barriers and facilitators to engagement in yoga practice among racial/ethnic minority adolescents, as well as adolescents in outpatient mental health treatment.MethodsQualitative data were collected at a community health clinic that serves low income families in southeastern Florida. Using semi structured interviews with racial and ethnic minority adolescents between 12 and 17 years old, participants were asked about beliefs and perceptions about yoga, as well as recommendations on recruiting peers. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify and examine common themes.ResultsTwenty interviews were conducted and eight major themes emerged from the data. Themes were grouped as (1) Facilitators to recruitment and (2) Barriers to recruitment.InterpretationAdvertising free yoga that emphasizes the social, physical, and mental benefits can help assuage negative perceptions of yoga and promote the advantages of yoga among teenagers. Having recruitment materials and modalities that highlight inclusivity of all genders and physical abilities in the yoga classes are also important in facilitating participation. Understanding perceptions of yoga, as well as perceived barriers and facilitators, among racially/ethnically diverse adolescents in outpatient mental health treatment, can assist recruitment efforts, increase yoga intervention participation, and ultimately, improve mental health outcomes for underserved populations.     

Decision-making support among racial and ethnic minorities diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer: A systematic review of the literature

ObjectiveTo describe the types of decision-making support interventions offered to racial and ethnic minority adults diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer and to draw any associations between these interventions and patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes.MethodsWe conducted literature searches in five bibliographic databases. Studies were screened through independent review and assessed for quality. Results were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods to determine thematic commonalities and synthesized in narrative form.ResultsSearches across five databases yielded 2496 records, which were screened by title/abstract and full-text to identify 10 studies meeting inclusion criteria. The use of decision aids (DAs), trained personnel, delivery models and frameworks, and educational materials were notable decision-making support interventions. Analysis revealed six thematic areas: 1) Personalized reports; 2) Effective communication; 3) Involvement in decision-making; 4) Health literacy; 5) Social support; and 6) Feasibility in clinical setting.ConclusionEvidence suggests decision-making support interventions are associated with positive outcomes of racial and ethnic minorities with patient-reported factors like improved patient engagement, less decisional regret, higher satisfaction, improved communication, awareness of health literacy and cultural competence.Practice implicationsFuture decision-making interventions for racial and ethnic minority cancer patients should focus on social determinants of health, social support systems, and clinical outcomes like QoL and survival.     

Trends in AIDS incidence and survival among racial/ethnic minority men who have sex with men,United States, 1990-1999

OBJECTIVES: We describe trends in AIDS incidence, survival, and deaths among racial/ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: We examined AIDS surveillance data for men diagnosed with AIDS from 1990 through 1999, survival trends from 1993 through 1997, and trends in AIDS incidence and deaths from 1996 to 1999, when highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was introduced. RESULTS: The percentage of racial/ethnic minority MSM with AIDS increased from 33% of 26,930 men in 1990 to 54% of 17,162 men in 1999. From 1996 through 1998, declines in AIDS incidence were smallest among black MSM (25%, from 66.2 to 49.5 per 100,000) and Hispanic MSM (29%, from 39.3 to 27.8), compared with white MSM (41%, from 17.9 to 10.5). Declines in deaths of MSM with AIDS were also smallest among black MSM (53%, from 39.7 to 18.6 deaths per 100,000) and Hispanic MSM (61%, 21.6 to 8.4), compared with white MSM (63%, 12.3 to 4.5). Survival improved each year for all racial/ethnic groups but was poorest for black MSM in all years. CONCLUSIONS: Since the introduction of HAART, a combination of factors that include relatively higher infection rates in more recent years and differences in survival following AIDS diagnosis contribute to observed differences in trends in AIDS incidence and deaths among racial/ethnic minority MSM. Increased development of culturally sensitive HIV prevention services, and improved access to testing and care early in the course of disease are needed to further reduce HIV-related morbidity in racial/ethnic minority MSM.     

Enrollment of racial/ethnic minorities and women with HIV in clinical research studies of HIV medicines

PURPOSE: Inclusion of women and racial/ethnic minorities is a requirement for federally supported clinical research, but data on clinical research participation from women and racial/ethnic minorities with HIV are few. To describe participation in clinical research of HIV medicines among women and racial/ethnic minorities, and associated factors, we used data from a cross-sectional behavioral surveillance interview project conducted in 15 U.S. states. METHODS: Data were from 6,892 persons living with HIV infection, recruited in facilities in seven U.S. states and using population-based methods in eight other states, between 2000-2004. We calculated self-reported participation in a clinical research study of HIV medicines, factors associated with self-reported study participation among men and women, and reasons for not participating in a study among nonparticipants. MAIN FINDINGS: Overall, 17% of respondents had ever participated in a clinical research study. For men, the odds of participation were lower for black or Hispanic men (versus white men) and were higher for men whose risk for HIV infection was male-male sex (versus men with male-female sex risk) and for men with AIDS. For men who had not participated in a study, black men were more likely than white men to report not participating in a study because they were unaware of available studies or were not offered enrollment (75% vs. 69%), and because they did not want to be a "guinea pig" (11% vs. 8%). Among women, participation was not associated with race/ethnicity or risk for HIV infection but was associated with living in an area with an NIH- or CDC- supported clinical research network. HIV-infected women were more likely than HIV-infected men with comparable modes of HIV acquisition to have participated in a study. CONCLUSIONS: Among persons with HIV interviewed in these 15 states, self-reported participation in clinical research studies was higher among women than men, but racial/ethnic minority men were less likely to report study participation. Our data suggest that clinicians and researchers should make increased efforts to offer study participation to racial and ethnic minority men.     

Implicit Bias in Pediatric Academic Medicine

Objective

Despite known benefits of diversity, certain racial/ethnic groups remain underrepresented in academic pediatrics. Little research exists regarding unconscious racial attitudes among pediatric faculty responsible for decisions on workforce recruitment and retention in academia. This study sought to describe levels of unconscious racial bias and perceived barriers to minority recruitment and retention among academic pediatric faculty leaders.

Satisfaction with and perceived cultural competency of healthcare providers: the minority experience

It is well known that nonwhite minority participation in clinical research is lower than their representation in the community. The goal of this study was to assess satisfaction of minority community members in Omaha with the care received and cultural competency of healthcare providers. We sought input from Omaha minority communities on how to improve the care they received and asked why they did not participate in healthcare research. Seventy-two minority members representing African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Sudanese, and Vietnamese; and eight whites were surveyed. The results of this study indicated that the majority of our respondents were satisfied with the care they received, but for a small percentage, language, communication and/or culture contributed to dissatisfaction. In addition, some respondents did not think the provider was culturally competent, i.e., not sufficiently knowledgeable about their racial, ethnic and/or cultural background. Some participants indicated that they preferred a provider of similar racial, ethnic and/or cultural background, and/or thought some diseases were better treated by a provider of the same racial, ethnic and/or cultural background. Regardless of the cultural competency of the provider, the overwhelming majority of our respondents (with the exception of African Americans) indicated a willingness to participate in healthcare research. In conclusion, this study found that satisfaction with healthcare providers was not associated with perceived cultural competency and that the cultural competency of the provider did not affect patient willingness to participate in healthcare research; however, we acknowledge that the Hawthorne effect may be in operation.     

Examining differential treatment effects for depression in racial and ethnic minority women: a qualitative systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To examine effectiveness of depression treatment in racial and ethnic minority women. REVIEW METHODS: Inclusion criteria: 1) the study examined treatment of depression among racial and ethnic minority women age > 17, 2) data analysis was separated by race and ethnicity, and 3) the study was conducted in the United States. Interventions considered were: psychotropic medications, psychotherapy (including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal therapy and any type of psychotherapy adapted for minority populations) and any type of psychotherapy combined with case management or a religious focus. Individual and group psychotherapy were eligible. Each study was critically reviewed to identify treatment effectiveness specific to racial and ethnic minority women. RESULTS: Ten published studies met the inclusion criteria (racial and ethnic minority participants n = 2,136). Seven of these were randomized clinical trials, one was a retrospective cohort study, one was a case series, and the remaining one had an indeterminate study design. Participants' age ranged from 18-74 years, with a higher proportion > 40 years. Most were low income. Differences in treatment responses between African-American, Latino and white women were found. Adapted models of care, including quality improvement and collaborative care, were found to be more effective than usual care and community referral in treating depression. Although medication and psychotherapy were both effective in treating depression, low-income women generally needed case management to address other social issues. CONCLUSION: Adapted models that allow patients to select the treatment of their choice (medication or psychotherapy or a combination) while providing outreach and other supportive services (case management, childcare and transportation) appear to result in optimal clinical benefits.     

Exploring obstacles to and opportunities for professional success among ethnic minority medical students.

PURPOSE: To explore the barriers and facilitators experienced by ethnic minority medical students in achieving personal and professional success. METHOD: In 2002 and 2003, 43 minority medical students participated in one of six two-hour focus groups located in Philadelphia, Pa; Kansas City, Mo; Baltimore, Md; Miami, Fl; New York, NY; and Los Angeles, Calif. Focus groups consisted of an average of seven (range 5-10) individuals. Eighty-eight percent were of black/African descent, 10% were Hispanic, and 2% were Asian/Pacific Islanders. Students discussed their views of personal and professional success, including opportunities and obstacles, and completed a brief demographic survey. Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed for thematic content in a three-stage independent review/adjudication process. RESULTS: All 748 comments were grouped into themes relating to definitions of success (35%) and to perceived facilitators (25%) or inhibitors (40%) of success. Participants strove to achieve professional/academic status, financial security, and quality of life. In so doing, participants identified facilitators of success, including support systems, professional exposure, financial aid, and personal characteristics. Lack of financial and social support, challenges with standardized tests, experiences with racial stereotyping and discrimination, and self-imposed barriers were among inhibitors to success. CONCLUSIONS: The opportunities for and barriers to academic success identified by minority students should be heeded by educators and administrators who develop programs and policies to recruit minority medical students and to ensure their professional development. To enhance the institutional climate for diversity, programs that improve cultural awareness and reduce biases among all students, faculty, staff, and administrators are needed.     

Future Directions in Research on Racism-Related Stress and Racial-Ethnic Protective Factors for Black Youth

Research on racism-related stress and racial-ethnic protective factors represents an important enterprise for optimizing the mental health of African American and other racial and ethnic minority youth. However, there has been a relative dearth of work on these factors in the clinical psychology research literature, and more work is needed in outlets such as these. To this end, the current article adopts a developmental psychopathology framework and uses recent empirical findings to outline our current understanding of racism-related stress and racial-ethnic protective factors (i.e., racial identity, racial socialization, Africentric worldview) for African American youth. We then provide nine recommendations—across basic, applied, and broader/cross-cutting research lines—that we prioritize as essential to advancing the future scientific investigation of this crucial research agenda. Within and across these recommendations, we issue a charge to researchers and clinicians alike, with the ultimate goal of alleviating the negative mental health impact that racism-related stress can have on the well-being and mental health of African American and other racial and ethnic minority youth.     

Student perspectives on diversity and the cultural climate at a U.S. medical school.

PURPOSE: To obtain the perspectives of medical students at one school on racial/ethnic campus diversity and cultural competence and to gain their perceptions of the institutional climate around diversity at their university and of reasons for minority underrepresentation at their medical school. METHOD: A student-driven survey of all medical students (N = 398) at a single medical school in the spring of 2003, supplemented by four focus groups from all racial and ethnic groups on the campus. RESULTS: A large majority of the responding students (n = 216; 54%) endorsed the value of campus diversity and the importance of cultural competence to the process of becoming a clinician. Most students felt their university had achieved a positive cultural climate, characterized by openness to diverse perspectives and attention to equity. Most students also felt that the university's programs and policies reflected a commitment to diversity, but fewer students--those from underrepresented minorities (URMs) in particular--felt that the university truly valued having a diverse student body and faculty. Most students felt that the lack of diversity on campus was a barrier to recruiting and retaining minority candidates. Some minority students also blamed the medical school's limited social, academic, and financial support, as well as inadequate efforts to recruit minority students. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students generally place a high value on campus diversity and cultural competence. URM students in particular felt that their university could do more to implement its commitment to diversity, including making greater efforts to recruit and retain URM students. These views constitute a barometer for medical schools to gauge and track their efforts to enhance campus diversity, incorporate cultural competence education, and create an inclusive and welcoming climate for students of all backgrounds.     

Design and Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Research Curriculum

Background

Disparities in health and healthcare are widely documented for underrepresented racial and ethnic populations across a spectrum of diseases and care settings. An evidence base for addressing racial and ethnic disparities in health and healthcare requires investigators trained to conduct health disparities research.