State Investing $4.89 Million This Year to Support 18 Programs and Scholarships That Cover Full Cost of a Year’s Tuition

Programs and Scholarships Managed by Associated Medical Schools of New York 

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 17, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health today announced this year’s $4.89 Million investment in Diversity in Medicine programs to support 950 students in 18 programs across New York State. The programs help students become physicians, improve access to care and eliminate health disparities. Additionally, the state is supporting medical school scholarships for 23 students covering state tuition for a year.

“This investment in the Diversity in Medicine Program continues to highlight the State’s commitment to eliminating health disparities, expanding access to health care services and ensuring the medical profession reflects the rich diversity of New York’s communities, all of which are critical components to ensuring better health outcomes for all New Yorkers,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “This program helps those with professional medical aspirations to continue their education in graduate and medical school, to prepare for and remain in those programs and to help financially support education. Ultimately, these scholarships assist with building diversity within the healthcare workforce.”

“For nearly three decades we have partnered with the New York State Department of Health to offer pathways to medical school for students who have demonstrated their commitments to improving health disparities and/or practicing medicine in underserved communities,” Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) President and CEO Jonathan Teyan said. “The increased state funding allows us to expand the breadth of these pathways to medicine and support more students across New York.”

Research has shown that when patients are cared for by physicians with shared backgrounds and shared languages, it fosters greater trust and communication, resulting in improved access to care, adherence to clinical recommendations, treatment and follow-up care.

“The Diversity in Medicine Program is crucial to providing aspiring physicians a chance to pursue their dreams of a career in medicine and ensuring that our health care system is inclusive and equitable,” Albert Einstein College of Medicine Dean Dr. Yaron Tomer said.  “Albert Einstein College of Medicine is proud to be a part of a program that is making a tangible impact on the future of medicine, and we are grateful for the continued support from Governor Hochul and the State of New York.”

“Programs like the Bronx Community Health Leaders Program are critical to building a sustainable pathway to health care careers for people in our borough and across the state,” Albert Einstein College of Medicine Associate Professor Dr. Juan Robles said. “The impact extends beyond the individual students who participate. They have the potential to elevate their families and communities, making for a brighter and healthier Bronx and New York.”

“The commitment of the State Department of Health to supporting pathway programs sends an important message to our young people from underrepresented backgrounds that a career in medicine is within their reach,” President Emeritus and co-visionary of Mentoring in Medicine Dr. Lynne Holden said. “At Einstein and Mentoring in Medicine, this support has bolstered our efforts, allowing us to help more students and make a profound impact on the profession and thousands of lives.”

“I am more than just proud to support the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine programs,” Senator Jamaal Bailey said.” Since being elected to the Senate, I have been a staunch advocate for this program as it makes a major difference in our communities. I believe that advocacy for these initiatives helps to create a future where students can be part of a supportive community conducive to learning and growth- and provide medical services to communities that customarily do not see doctors who look like them.” 

“The Assembly Majority remains committed to taking all necessary steps to reduce healthcare disparity and better patient outcomes across the state,” New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said. “But the first step in transforming the healthcare landscape of our underserved communities is supporting the young men and women ready to help. This funding will ensure more students than ever, from all walks of life, can achieve their dreams of attending medical school without cost concerns.”

“Diversity in our medical field allows patients access to care by familiar faces, which is known to have positive outcomes not just in patient-provider relationships and trust, but also in health outcomes,” Assemblymember Michael Benedetto said.  “I applaud the Governor’s funding of these programs and for strengthening our medical workforce.”

Diversity in Medicine Programs are managed by the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) to increase equitable representation in health professions. 

AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Program Awardees 2024-2025 include:

• Bronx Community Health Leaders Program-Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Mentoring in Medicine After School Program- Mentoring in Medicine, Inc
• Expanding the Bridge to Medical School- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Bridge to Clerkship Program- CUNY School of Medicine
• Supporting, Educating and Enriching Diversity (SEED) Mentoring Program- NYU Grossman School of Medicine
• Expanded Stony Brook Underrepresented Pre-Med Scholars (eSUPREMES) Program- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
• Public Health Scholars Program- Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University
• Distinguishing Docs Program- Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University
• Fortifying the Pipeline of Historically Disadvantaged Students to Enhance Medical School Recruitment and Retention Program- New York Medical College
• Next-Gen Leaders of Surgical Health Outcomes Research- School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center
• Office of Equity of Inclusion Program- School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center

The state funding also supports five post baccalaureate and master’s programs and pipeline programs at City College of New York and the City University of New York.  The AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship will award 23 students in the coming school year. The scholarship covers state tuition for a year, reducing financial barriers to attending medical school. Recipients must commit to working in underserved areas in New York State upon completion of their medical education.

AMSNY launched its first Diversity in Medicine Pathway Programs in 1985 and the State Health Department has provided funding for these programs since 2002. More than 700 practicing physicians have graduated from the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Programs, many of whom stay and practice in New York State.

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