Skip to main content

Underrepresented Minority Resources

URM Res

Since the late 1960's US medical schools have greatly increased their efforts toward recruitment of minority students. Many of the programs which have been initiated are discussed in Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)

The purpose of such programs is to increase the number of students entering medical school from minorities that are underrepresented in the medical profession. "Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population."

The AAMC has recognized (in the past) four groups. This includes African Americans, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, and Mainland Puerto Ricans. This definition is ‘evolving’ into the consideration of applicants from a socio-economically deprived background.

Some of the programs offered specifically for minority students include summer programs at many medical schools.  Some are designed to strengthen the academic background in the sciences, provide career information and an introduction to health care for students at the undergraduate level. Other summer programs are designed to provide additional basic science instruction for minority students accepted to enter medical school.

Minority students contemplating careers in medicine may obtain additional information on financial assistance, special programs for minorities and other timely information through the Student National Medical Association

Another resource for financial assistance for underrepresented minority students is provided by National Medical Fellowships, a private philanthropy founded in 1946 which awards several hundred scholarships, awards and provides service learning programs. Additional resources can be found below.

The University of Georgia hosts a chapter of the Minority Science Student Association.