Representation in the physician workforce matters.

Many studies have shown that having a diverse physician workforce results in improved population health outcomes. When people 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.

Physicians often want to practice medicine in the communities in which they were raised.

When financial barriers are lowered or removed, many physicians choose to care for the communities in which they were raised, including underserved areas. Recipients of AMSNY’s Diversity in Medicine Scholarship commit to practicing medicine in shortage areas in New York State for at least two years after completing their training.

Pathway programs are essential for many talented students.

For students who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage, attended under-resourced schools and faced other obstacles, programs that help them navigate their way to medical school and provide financial support are critical. Once in medical school, these students typically excel. Over a span of more than 30 years, 94% of students in AMSNY’s post-baccalaureate programs have completed the programs and enrolled in medical school.

Supporting students is our core mission.

AMSNY has coordinated and funded Diversity in Medicine pathway programs since 1985. Since that time, more than 600 students who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming adversity have graduated from our programs and gone on to graduate medical school. Since 2017, through the Diversity in Medicine Scholarship, AMSNY has awarded $5.3 million in scholarships to more than 120 exceptional medical students.

Just one program has enrolled nearly 500 students of which 93% went on to medical school.