Introduction
In the pursuit of creating a diverse and inclusive medical workforce, the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University in Canada has embarked on a journey to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in its admissions processes. This initiative aims to mitigate barriers for underrepresented groups in medicine (URM) and foster a physician workforce that mirrors the diverse population it serves.
Understanding the Need for Diversity
Research has consistently shown that a diverse physician workforce can lead to improved patient satisfaction, trust, and health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations. In Canada, where the population is highly multicultural, there is a significant need for medical schools to train physicians who can meet the diverse needs of their communities.
Key Initiatives for Enhancing EDI
The Schulich School of Medicine implemented a multipronged approach to enhance EDI, which included:
- Diversity Data Collection: A voluntary applicant diversity survey was introduced to identify potential barriers within the admissions process.
- Committee Diversification: The admissions committee and evaluator pool were diversified, and an Equity Representative was included to ensure a broader range of perspectives.
- Biosketch Introduction: Applicants were asked to provide a biosketch detailing their life experiences, emphasizing non-academic attributes and values.
- Implicit Bias Training: Training was provided to committee members and evaluators to raise awareness and mitigate biases.
- ACCESS Pathway: A specific pathway was created for applicants facing financial, sociocultural, and medical barriers.
Outcomes and Impact
The initiatives resulted in significant improvements in the diversity of the admitted class. For the Class of 2024, the percentage of admitted racialized students, those with socioeconomic challenges, and those from remote/rural communities reflected the applicant pool demographics. These changes indicate that the barriers within the admissions process were potentially mitigated.
Encouraging Further Research and Implementation
The positive outcomes of Schulich Medicine's initiatives serve as a model for other institutions aiming to enhance EDI in their admissions processes. Practitioners are encouraged to explore similar strategies, adapt them to their local context, and contribute to the growing body of research on EDI in medical education.
Conclusion
Enhancing EDI in medical school admissions is crucial for developing a physician workforce that can effectively serve diverse populations. By implementing a multipronged approach, Schulich Medicine has made significant strides in diversifying its medical student cohort, setting a precedent for others to follow.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Strategies For Enhancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Medical School Admissions–A Canadian Medical School's Journey.
