CL-07: INCREASING DIVERSITY IN MEDICINE: MEDICAL STUDENT LED INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT UNDERREPRESENTED PRE-MEDICAL STUDENTS
Melissa M. Rangel, BS, K. Lynn Zhao, BS, Luke M. Johnson, BS, Jordan Takasugi, BS, Taryn J. Meacham, BS, Janelle Clauser, MD; University of Washington School of Medicine

Background: Diversity in race, gender, and sexual orientation is shown to have a positive impact on medical school education, patient care, and scientific advancement. However, demographics of medical school matriculants do not reflect that of the United States. Supporting underrepresented pre-medical students is one proposed action to address this representation gap.

Methods: In November 2017, University of Washington Medical students located in the predominantly white community of Spokane, Washington, organized the Underrepresented in Medicine Pre-Medical Student Event. Activities included the following: medical school application and MCAT preparation workshops as well as a panel showcasing diversity among current students. Advertisement to underrepresented, college-aged students was done using social media, fliers, and email. Pre and post-event surveys were conducted measuring attitudes towards and understanding of the medical school application process

Results: Event attendees self-reported as 72% female, 58% non-white or biracial and 2% identified as LGBTQI. Pre and post-event surveys revealed a statistically significant improvement in self-reported understanding of the application process and medical school structure. This grant-funded event now continues annually.

Conclusions: Medical students can make meaningful contributions to increasing diversity in medicine. Improving readiness of underrepresented applicants is an attainable goal and may lead to increased diversity amongst medical students.