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.
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