Cultural pathway to osteopathic medical school: The Native American pre-admissions workshop
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Native Americans (NAs) experience significant health disparities compared to the general US population. Medical education has a key role to play in addressing these inequities; however, it is currently falling short. Providers lack sufficient knowledge of NA heritage, cultures, perspectives, and social determinants of health. Under-representation begins in the medical education pathway, with only 0.3% of residents and merely 0.15% of faculty serving the 2.9% of identifying NAs. Because NA health professionals are more likely to serve the NA community, training more NAs has the potential to address current workforce challenges in Indian Country. However, there is a void in literature specific to the recruitment, training, and development of NA providers in the US workforce. This likely contributes to the limited success of US medical schools to train NA physicians. Therefore, our primary objective is to increase awareness of osteopathic medicine, including introduction of osteopathic practice and philosophy, among NAs interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Our secondary objective is to provide prospective NA applicants exposure to the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary for successful matriculation to osteopathic medical school.
Authors: Cosby, Caitlin, Gatewood, Ashton, Douglas, Alex, West, Mariah, Thompson, S. Mackenzee, Postoak, Brandon, Evans, Sheridan, Bray, Natasha, Smith, Kent
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7064853458