Cultivating Diversity in Medical Education
Joycelyn Dorscher, MD, Director, University of Minnesota Center of American Indian and Minority Health
Anne L. Taylor, MD, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Professor of Medicine/Cardiology, University of Minnesota Medical School
Dr. Dorscher discussed the benefits of diversity in medical education, noting “diversity among students clearly improves the breadth of class discussion, a fundamental educational benefit and a basis for learning culturally competent health care”. She reviewed the history of affirmative action and highlighted some important court cases. Dr. Dorscher encouraged looking at diversity broadly, to include age, gender, life experiences, disadvantages, geographic diversity, achievements, disability, and other characteristics.
Dr. Taylor presented data from Duke University School of Medicine, which outlined the urgency for increasing diversity in the health professions. The presentation included a discussion of the impact of the “Michigan” decision on admission policies, including policies at Duke Medical School, challenges to identifying and training providers for diverse communities, the results of Duke’s experience, and the challenges of pursuing diversity as a new paradigm.
View the Dr. Dorscher slides (PDF)
View the Dr. Taylor slides (PDF)
