Ross University School of Medicine, Oakwood University partner to diversify physician workforce

Oakwood University, a historically black university in Huntsville, Ala., is partnering with Ross University School of Medicine in Bridgetown, Barbados, to create a program for more African American graduates to attend medical school. The schools announced the partnership Oct. 24.

"African American doctors are woefully underrepresented in the physician workforce, leading fewer African Americans to see a doctor," said RUSM Dean and Chancellor William F. Owen Jr., MD, in a press release. "This has significant negative healthcare outcomes in communities already prone to high rates of chronic diseases. Working with Oakwood and other [historically black colleges and universities], using novel student engagements, validated support programs and senior-level commitments to success, we're working to address that long overdue challenge to increase the diversity of our nation's physicians."

Under the agreement, Oakwood graduates who matriculate at RUSM will receive a full-tuition scholarship for their first semester. RUSM has announced six other similar partnerships with Charles R. Drew University in Los Angeles, Dillard University in New Orleans, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Tuskegee (Ala.) University, Saint Peter's University in Jersey City, N.J., and California State University, Dominguez Hills, in Carson.

 

More articles on integration and physician issues:

For-profit systems embrace graduate medical education to meet demand for primary care physicians
Johns Hopkins surgeon: Physician-patient relationship under siege by costs
Dermatology association seeks to oust board member for creating PA group

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars