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BronxTimes Op-Ed: Thanks to New York State, I’m close to being a doctor who provides care in my native language

 
 
Serious doctors examine patient’s test results
Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul invested $2.444 million in AMSNY’s range of Diversity in Medicine programs, and this year the governor has proposed an additional $1.2 million investment in the program. This means AMSNY’s Diversity in Medicine programs can support more than 800 students from underrepresented backgrounds as they pursue medical degrees.
Photo courtesy Getty Images
 

When I immigrated with my family to New York City from the Dominican Republic at age 18 I couldn’t speak English, but I knew I wanted to be a doctor. I soon experienced firsthand how people like my family and me, despite being part of a large community, often were not understood by our physicians. That strengthened my resolve. I had a lifelong love of science and knew I could be a doctor who provides care in our native language — the kind of care I wanted my family to have.

Fourteen years later, I’m so close to achieving that goal, thanks to a lot of hard work and some well-timed support from New York state.

My journey to medical school started with redoing high school from ages 18-22. I then attended a private university, but had to leave shortly after due to finances, and I transferred to Hunter College. Though I had to take a gap year while navigating some challenges, I ultimately graduated. I got a full-time job as a research assistant at a research institution, where our team conducted multiple scientific studies and published results, never forgetting my goal of going to medical school. Unfortunately, I soon found the MCAT and application process was incredibly difficult to navigate, especially while working. A 2017 study of minority students and medical school admissions cited the application process as the most challenging part, calling it “overwhelming, difficult and expensive” — and that was absolutely true for me. Despite applying all over the country, it was New York state’s medical schools that understood my passion and potential.

I was invited to join the Associated Medical Schools of New York’s (AMSNY) Diversity in Medicine Post-Baccalaureate Program at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. The year-long program is designed to provide Black, Latino and Native American students — backgrounds that are significantly underrepresented in medicine — an opportunity to become doctors. If participants successfully complete the program, they are guaranteed acceptance to a New York state medical school. It was the perfect program.

AMSNY said “We believe in you.” The organization supported my education with a year of tuition for classes, plus a stipend for living expenses and books, so that I had the opportunity to be successful. I was brought into a community with people who, like me, have struggled to reach this point. It was incredibly powerful and extremely motivating to be in an academic environment surrounded by people who look like me. The coursework was designed to prepare us for the rigors of medical school, and my grades improved because I finally had the privilege of being a full-time student, without worrying about basic things like food and housing.

Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul invested $2.444 million in AMSNY’s range of Diversity in Medicine programs, and this year the governor has proposed an additional $1.2 million investment in the program. This means AMSNY’s Diversity in Medicine programs can support more than 800 students from underrepresented backgrounds as they pursue medical degrees. I am proud that New York state is working to diversify its physician workforce to match our diverse population, especially since research shows that it makes a real impact in addressing health disparities. While my medical school training emphasizes training future physicians to care for diverse patients, some patients benefit from receiving care from clinicians with similar backgrounds. For example, a 2018 Stanford University study found that Black men are more likely to agree to preventative health services if they see a Black doctor.

AMSNY and New York state also support students like me through a scholarship that is funded annually by the state Legislature, in combination with a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. The Diversity in Medicine scholarship provides $42,000 a year in medical school tuition to 30 students who have gone through AMSNY’s programs. I am proud to be a recipient of this scholarship, which helps address the significant disparities in educational debt between Black, Hispanic/Latino and Native American students in comparison to our counterparts. I urge the Legislature to continue supporting this scholarship, which requires a commitment to practice medicine in an underserved area of New York.

I am now entering my third year as a medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, about to begin my clinical rotations. I’m incredibly excited that after more than a decade of education I will start interacting with and supporting patients, especially Spanish-speaking patients. They are the reason that I dedicated so many years to get where I am today, and why I will continue to work to provide the best medical care I can.

Luna Maria Paredes is a student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Class of 2025, and a recipient of the Associated Medical Schools of New York’s Diversity in Medicine Scholarship.

https://www.bxtimes.com/letter-doctor-native-language/ 


Spectrum News Albany: Scholarship program aims to diversify health care work force

 
 
 

Scholarship program aims to diversify health care work force

The pandemic showcased the sacrifices made by front-line health care workers who worked tirelessly to keep New Yorkers healthy. But it also revealed a severe shortage of professionals in hospitals and clinics, and shined a light on the underrepresentation of minority groups in the health sector.

The Associated Medical Schools of New York is trying to address the diversity issue.

Savannah Stewart’s mother emigrated from Liberia. Her father was an African American living in Alabama and together, their struggle to fit in and feel represented became an inspiration for Stewart to break barriers and confront systemic racism.

“Working as a nurse, there were times where patients didn’t trust her patients, family members didn’t want to speak to her and they thought that she was a member of the staff or didn’t have the position that she held because of what she looked like,” said Stewart.

 


What You Need To Know

    • According to the Associated Medical Schools of New York, underrepresented minorities, such as Black and Hispanic communities, make up 31% of New York’s population
    • New York’s workforce only has 12% of Black and Hispanic population represented
    • Health disparities within Black and Hispanic communities have been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic

A medical student, Stewart said it’s extremely important for minorities to see themselves represented in health care. To have someone who understands how background and culture plays into their illnesses and its outcomes is vital.

But the road to that representation is not without challenges.

“When you’re a student of color, there’s always a worry that people won’t think that you’re qualified to do what you want to do, no matter how much you’ve been studying, how much effort you’ve put in,” Stewart said. “And there’s always that fear that someone won’t want to work with you.”

To close the gap, the Associated Medical Schools of New York has an annual scholarship program which gives 30 students of color from educationally and/or economically underserved backgrounds an option they would not otherwise have.

Stewart is one of its recipients.

“This scholarship helped me so much along the way. First, from being in my (post-baccalaurate) program where I was allowed to take more courses and for the first time in my life, I was not working two jobs and also trying to fulfill science requirements,” said Stewart.

This scholarship awards $42,000 per year for a maximum of four years and a minimum of two years. Upon finishing medical school, the students will work in an underserved area in the state.

To be eligible, the students must have completed one of the five post-baccalaureate programs of the Associated Medical Schools of New York. You can find more information on their website amsny.org.

AMSNY: Hochul’s Budget Gives Another Boost to Diversity In Medicine

$3.644M Proposed Investment Ensures NY Will Do More to Close the Physician Diversity Gap and Improve Patient Health Outcomes
 
Jonathan Teyan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Associated Medical Schools of New York, which represents all 17 medical schools in the state, issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul’s proposed FY24 Budget:
 
“Governor Hochul has shown us once again her administration’s commitment to supporting physician diversity in New York. Her proposed $3.644M investment in AMSNY’s Diversity in Medicine programs will support more than 800 students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in medicine in pursuing medical degrees.
 
“These State-funded programs have had a huge impact. For the first time in history, more than 20 percent of first year medical students in New York are from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. We have no doubt that the State’s investments over the past 25+ years have been transformative. With Governor Hochul doubling down on the State’s investment last year (from $1.244M in FY22 to $2.44M in FY23), and next year’s proposed increase, we are certain we will continue to make significant strides towards a physician workforce that represents all New Yorkers, which is key to improving health outcomes.”
 
Learn more about AMSNY diversity programs here.
 
In addition to working to diversify the state’s physician workforce, and contributing to medical research and discoveries, the states 17 medical schools also represent a large economic engine for the state, contributing $35B to the state’s economy, according to a new economic impact report. Read more here.

WNYC’s The Capitol Pressroom: New York’s medical school urge state investment in research

Medical schools across New York are pushing for a $25 million investment from the state budget in growing the Empire State’s medical academic research capacity. Associated Medical Schools of New York President & CEO Jonathan Teyan explains the potential economic development benefit from this commitment.

Listen to the interview here:  https://capitolpressroom.org/2023/02/09/new-yorks-medical-school-urge-state-investment-in-research/.

Associated Medical Schools of New York Names Jonathan Teyan New President & CEO

– The organization, representing the 17 medical schools across the state, thanks Jo Wiederhorn for 20 years of leadership  – 

(New York, NY) – The Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) announces that Jonathan Teyan has assumed the role of President & CEO as of January 1, 2023. AMSNY represents the 17 public and private medical schools across New York State, acting as the voice of medical education. Jonathan succeeds Jo Wiederhorn, who held this role from 2002 through 2022. While stepping down, Jo will remain involved with AMSNY, focusing on the organization’s diversity in medicine initiatives.

Jonathan joined AMSNY in 2011 and has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2013. In this role he led the organization’s successful efforts advocating for biomedical research funding and promoting the importance of medical education to the state’s healthcare and economy. Jonathan also holds the title of President of New York State Academic Dental Centers (NYSADC), the consortium of New York’s six dental schools. 

Jonathan began his career in science studying conservation biology at Cornell University, then at the National Audubon Society, where he directed that organization’s largest environmental education center. He has an MPA in Management from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where he began a longstanding interest in health care policy, subsequently joining AMDec Foundation in 2005, where he worked on large-scale collaborative biomedical research initiatives. 

“I’m proud to step into this new role at the Associated Medical Schools of New York, supporting the organization and mission that I have been dedicated to for the last decade-plus,” said Jonathan Teyan, new President and CEO of AMSNY. “In this new chapter, we will continue to build on our work diversifying the physician and scientific workforce and advancing biomedical research in New York State.”

“We are thrilled that Jonathan Teyan will assume leadership of AMSNY, as he is uniquely prepared, has been integral to the organization’s success over the past decade, and has the right vision to move us forward in years to come” said Mark Taubman, Chair of AMSNY’s Board of Trustees and Dean of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. “We are also immensely grateful to Jo Wiederhorn for her 20 years of leadership, filled with many invaluable contributions to the medical education community.”

Jo Wiederhorn was the President and CEO of the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) since 2002. During her tenure the organization saw tremendous success  in advancing its priorities. AMSNY advocated for state investment in biomedical research and saw millions of dollars allocated to scientists at academic medical centers through the NYSTEM program (2007-2021) and NYFIRST program (ongoing). She oversaw the expansion of efforts to diversify the physician workforce through post-baccalaureate programs for aspiring medical students, including a historic investment from the state last year, doubling resources for the program. Jo was responsible for launching the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship, funded by the New York State Legislature and Cabrini Health Foundation. The scholarship started with 10 students in 2017 and now each year provides 30 medical students from underrepresented backgrounds with $42,000 towards tuition and fees. Jo will remain involved in the organization, working to advance diversity in medicine initiatives.

“I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments the AMSNY team has been able to achieve over the past decade in advocating for more diversity in medicine and investment in biomedical research,” said Jo Wiederhorn, former President & CEO. “While stepping out of this role is bittersweet, I know AMSNY will enjoy continued successes under Jonathan’s leadership, to the benefit of the whole medical education community.”

Under Jonathan’s leadership, the organization will continue working to diversify New York State’s physician workforce, advocating for biomedical research, and highlighting the role of academic medical centers.

About AMSNY

The Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) is the consortium of the 17 public and private medical schools in New York State. AMSNY works in partnership with its members to advance biomedical research, diversity in medical schools and the physician workforce, and high quality and cost-efficient care. The combined total of New York’s medical schools economic impact equals more than $35 billion. AMSNY member schools include:

  • Albany Medical College
  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • CUNY School of Medicine
  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY
  • New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • New York Medical College
  • Norton College of Medicine at Upstate Medical University
  • NYU Grossman School of Medicine
  • NYU Long Island School of Medicine
  • Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
  • SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
  • Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
  • Weill Cornell Medicine
  • Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

For more information on AMSNY, please visit: www.amsny.org

Politico: AMSNY Discusses Medical Schools’ Economic Impact

New York’s public and private medical schools play an important role in the state’s economy, with a total estimated economic impact of nearly $35 billion, according to a new report , Shannon reports.

The analysis, which the Associated Medical Schools of New York commissioned and TEConomy Partners, LLC performed, examines the economic impact of AMSNY institutional expenditures, AMSNY institutions’ research performance, metrics and impacts and the functional mission-based effects of New York medical schools.

It found that AMSNY medical schools employ more than 62,000 faculty, researchers and staff, earning more than $12 billion in wage and benefits, with total operational expenditures of more than $19 billion. Those operations, the report noted, generated an additional $15 billion-plus in the New York economy, for a total economic impact of nearly $35 billion. The report further found that New York’s medical schools received more than $5 billion in research funding from the National Institutes of Health from 2018 to 2020.

Jonathan Teyan, the chief operating officer for AMSNY, told POLITICO that the report is similar to one published in 2010. AMSNY, he said, “wanted to take a sort of big picture look at where the medical schools fit in the state’s economy and employment.”

“We think that by seeing this, legislators, policymakers in Albany and around the state can really sort of have a tangible sense of what the schools are doing,” he said in an interview. “The other thing that we think is important, is that the state invests in the things that kind of drive the medical schools and, in particular, the biomedical research that the schools do.”

AMSNY Funds $1.3 Million in NY Medical School Scholarships to Address Lack of Diversity in Medicine

-Thirty Students from Underrepresented Backgrounds Awarded Scholarships, Commit to Working in Underserved Areas –

The Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) is proud to announce $1.3M in medical school scholarships and to introduce the 30 underrepresented in medicine recipients of the 2021-2022 AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship. Designed to increase the diversity of the New York State physician workforce, the scholarship is available to medical students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, including Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. The scholarships address one of the greatest barriers to medical school participation among students from underrepresented backgrounds, the high cost of tuition, and are part of a continuum of programs AMSNY runs and funds to improve diversity in medicine.

The scholarship, $42,000 per year, is awarded for a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years. In return, students commit to working in an underserved area in New York State for a for a similar time period, based on the number of years they receive the scholarship. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have completed one of AMSNY five post-baccalaureate programs, which create opportunities for students who have experienced barriers to a medical education including financial, academic and social barriers. The Post Bac programs are highly successful, with 94 percent of students going on to medical schools in New York.

Diversifying the physician workforce is an important part of the effort to reduce health disparities, which existed before and were highlighted by the disproportionate impact of the pandemic and have persisted since. The AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship was launched in 2017 with funding from the New York State Department of Health, thanks to support from the New York State Legislature and the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. This year, 30 scholarships were awarded:  15 due to funding from the Department of Health  and 15 due to support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

AMSNY has overseen programs to increase the racial and ethnic diversity at medical schools for nearly 40 years.  Due in part to AMSNY’s efforts, this year more than 20 percent of medical students attending the 17 medical schools based in New York overall were from underrepresented backgrounds. Underrepresented minorities (Blacks/African Americans & Hispanics/Latinos) make up approximately 31.1% of New York’s population but only 12.1% of the state’s physician workforce. Last year for the first time, more than 20 percent of first year medical students identified as belonging to one of these groups.  

“AMSNY congratulates our newest Diversity in Medicine Scholarship recipients, who have all demonstrated a passion for medicine and improving the health of their communities,” said Jo Wiederhorn, CEO of AMSNY.  “While there is still much work to be done, we are hopeful that these medical students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine will go on to help diversify New York’s physician workforce and reduce health disparities.”

INTRODUCING THE 2022-2023 AMSNY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 

FOURTH-TIME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

  • DEASHIA MCALPINE, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’23 
  • SAMANTHA WILLIAMS, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’23

SECOND-TIME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

  • DOMINIQUE ALEXIS, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’25
  • JESSE KWAME ASIEDU, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University,
    MD, ’25
  • COLLEEN BECKFORD, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’23
  • HILARY BRIGHT, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, MD, ’23 
  • DEVANTE BRYANT-NURSE, Albany Medical College, MD, ’25
  • VANESSA CHICAS, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’25
  • DANYA CONTRERAS, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’25
  • JOSE DELIZ, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’25
  • JERLIN GARO, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD, ’25
  • ROMARIO GIBSON, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’24
  • KATHERINE GUZMAN, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’25
  • NNEKA ONWUMERE, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, MD, ’24
  • LUNA PAREDES, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD, ’25
  • ROBERT SIMMONS, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, MD, ’24
  • SAVANNAH STEWART, Albany Medical College, MD, ’25
  • JUAN PABLO VASQUEZ, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD, ’23
  •  

FIRST-TIME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

  • MALENA ALLBRIGHT, Albany Medical College, MD, ‘26
  • BRADLEY AMAZAN, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, MD, ’24
  • ANTONIO BOTTOS, University of Rochester School of Dentistry and Medicine, MD, 26’
  • BIANCA AUDREY DUAH, University of Rochester School of Dentistry and Medicine, MD, 24’
  • ISAAC FAITH, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, MD, ’26
  • JULIET MANU, New York Medical College, MD, ‘26
  • JOSUE MERIDA, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, MD, ’26
  • SYDNEY PIGOTT, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo, SUNY, MD, ‘25
  • ALEXIS RIVERA, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University,
    MD, ‘24
  • SADE TAYLOR, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, MD, ’26
  • RICARDO TOCHIMANI, New York Medical College, MD, ‘26
  • OUMOU TOURÉ, University of Rochester School of Dentistry and Medicine, MD, 26’

PIX 11: Scholarship Program Aims to Diversify the Physician Workforce

There is a program underway aimed at providing scholarships to those who aspire to enter the medical industry. The initiative is geared toward helping students from backgrounds who are underrepresented in medicine.

Bradley Amazan always knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but there was one thing holding him back.

“It’s an imposter syndrome. You kind of tend to think that you’re not adequate enough to do whatever it is you want to do,” he said.

He was encouraged by physicians to give it a shot. The 27-year-old first-generation American, born to Haitian immigrants, said he had nothing to lose. He took the Medical College Admissions Test, which led him to SUNY Downstate where he received an opportunity of a lifetime. Amazan was awarded the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) diversity in medicine scholarship.

According to AMSNY, more than 30% of the state’s population is Black or Hispanic, with only 12% of physicians represent those demographics. Their goal is to diversify the physician workforce by creating a pipeline for those with the passion to pursue a career in medicine but can’t afford it.

AMSNY provides a $42,000 scholarship to 30 students like Amazan each year. Those accepted into the post-baccalaureate program receive $17,500 stipend, but there are caveats. If students are accepted to a medical school, they won’t be able to benefit from the program. Also, once accepted into the baccalaureate program, students are not allowed to work so they can concentrate on their studies.

Here’s how it works. In order to qualify, students are referred by the medical school they’ve applied to. If they successfully complete the one-year program, they automatically get admitted to that same medical school.

Once the student is enrolled into the post-baccalaureate program, those courses that are taken won’t necessarily carry over into medical school. However, it still gives them a leg up and they don’t have to reapply to medical school.

Since beginning its post-baccalaureate program in 1991, there are over 700 practicing physicians who have gone through the program. This year they’ve expanded to include SUNY Downstate making up the five diversity and medicine post-baccalaureate programs in New York State that are administered by AMSNY. In return, students agree to pay it forward.

Watch the interview: https://pix11.com/news/local-news/scholarship-program-aims-to-diversify-the-physician-workforce/

Governor Hochul Announces More Than $2.4 Million to Diversity Physician Workforce

 

 

New York State Doubles Investment to Expand Diversity Programs Managed by the Associated Medical Schools of New York and Serving More Than 800 Students       

About 20 percent of All Medical Students in New York Now from the Black and Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander, and Native American Demographic    

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the state has doubled its investment – committing more than $2.4 million – in diversity programs managed by the Associated Medical Schools of New York to help bring more traditionally unrepresented students to the physician workforce. Funded in part through the state Department of Health, these programs are designed to encourage students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in medicine – including those who are Black, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander, or Native American – to get accepted into and complete medical school in New York.    

“For far too long, communities of color in New York have faced disparities in their access to healthcare and have endured poorer health outcomes, both of which have resulted partially from their under-representation in the medical field,” Governor Hochul said. “By doubling our commitment to programs that champion diversity in medicine, we can ensure that our state’s healthcare workforce is more representative of our state’s population and help right historic wrongs.”   

 While more than 30 percent of the state’s population is Black or Hispanic, only 12 percent of physicians represent those demographics. Research has shown that patients seeing doctors from their own background have better health outcomes, which makes diversifying the state’s physician workforce imperative to improving the overall health of New Yorkers and addressing disparities. 

New York State is now providing more than $2.4 million to diversity in medicine programs, which are designed to close gaps in the medical profession, doubling the funding commitment made last year. This funding is expected to serve more than 800 students through new and existing diversity initiatives, including Bridges to Medicine, AMSNY’s successful post-baccalaureate program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.   

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett discussed the importance of this commitment today during an event at SUNY Downstate, and how these programs are helping to build diversity at medical schools statewide. For the first time, about 20 percent of all medical students in New York are now from traditionally underrepresented populations, including Black and Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander and Native American backgrounds.   

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said, “There are few things more important to our goals of improving health equity than the work of ensuring that the medical profession is as diverse as the New Yorkers they serve. Having a trusted voice and someone who understands the unique facets of your life experience can change a person’s understanding of their own health. This funding makes an investment in the people who make that a reality, and it will help for years to come by improving diversity, equity and inclusion to achieve better health outcomes for those who are traditionally underserved.”    

Launched in 2017, the Bridges to Medicine is a year-long post-baccalaureate line of study designed to increase the representation of students from traditionally underrepresented and low socioeconomic backgrounds seeking admission into medical schools. Accredited as Master of Science in Physiology program in 2020, students participate in co-mingled classes as first-year medical students.   

Of the 57 medical students enrolled in Bridges to Medicine between 2017 and 2021, 88 percent were accepted into medical schools. In addition, six students from the program’s first cohort were matched to SUNY Downstate for their residencies.    

In addition to Bridges to Medicine, the state’s investment is supporting new, innovative initiatives to ensure underrepresented students are prepared for medical school. The funding is supporting a program to encourage Black male athletes interested in entering medicine; MCAT preparation programs; research and physician shadowing opportunities; a web-based program to match students with faculty mentors; and community resources to help medical students with housing, nutritional resource, and other life skills, such as financial literacy.   

The increased funding is also supporting more students at AMSNY’s preexisting programs:    

Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY), a consortium of the 17 public and private medical schools in New York State, launched its first diversity pipeline programs in 1985 and has continually provided opportunities for underrepresented students to prepare for and enter medical school. The state Department of Health has provided funding for these programs since 2002 in an effort to help broaden the demographics of people entering the medical profession in New York.       

Associated Medical Schools of New York President and CEO Jo Wiederhorn said, “The state Department of Health’s commitment represents a historic investment in the physician pipeline in New York State and will improve the diversity of the healthcare workforce. Our programs have shown results for over 35 years and now we will be able to really scale the impact. Over 94 percent of students in AMSNY’s four Post Baccalaureate programs, go on to medical school with approximately half going on to primary care specialties, often in underserved areas.”   

State University of New York Downstate President Dr. Wayne J. Riley said, “We are encouraged by the impact the Bridges to Medicine program has had on our students’ abilities to transition into their first year of medical school. In a community where the diversity is so great, in addition to providing quality healthcare, we are proud that our patients recognize and appreciate the reflection of their diverse and unique backgrounds. Our Bridges to Medicine Master’s program is a benefit to the students and an even greater benefit to the community.”       

State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey said, “Diversity and representation in medicine is critical to addressing persistent racial health disparities. It is vital that our state continues to invest in programs like Bridges to Medicine that will not only provide opportunities for medical students of color but improve the health of our communities through increased access to quality, culturally competent care. Our communities deserve to have physicians they trust who understand their needs. I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul, Commissioner Mary Bassett, and the New York State Department of Health for their work to increase diversity in the medical field, create pathways to careers in medicine for communities of color, and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.”    

Assemblymember Brian Cunningham said, “I express my gratitude to the New York State Department of Health and AMSNY for their visionary leadership and support for programs increasing diversity in medicine,” “We are fortunate to have many talented medical students and practitioners right at home in District 43, here at SUNY Downstate. Through this funding, not only are we enhancing medical services available in underserved areas like Brooklyn, but also providing incomparable opportunities to BIPOC students. These programs enable a diverse pool of medical students to pursue opportunities they might not otherwise have access to, so on behalf of myself and my constituents, I thank you.”    

Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter said, “I am immensely proud to have been the primary advocate in the Assembly for the funding of the Diversity in Medicine program for multiple state budgets. Increasing the diversity of our doctors and nurses leads to better health outcomes as we enable new practitioners in the medical field who are directly invested in their communities. I look forward to the expansion of these programs and the many benefits it will have for our medical students as well as their future patients.”   

   

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