J Natl Med Assoc
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The goal of matriculating a diverse medical cohort remains important for institutions across the country as it results in an increase in the diversity of the physician workforce. By admitting students who are underrepresented in medicine, the pressing health needs of the growing and diverse patient population of our country can be met by physicians who are representative of their communities. Given the challenges of choosing from a small pool of applicants, medical schools should consider seeking the support of current medical students in expanding the applicant pool and recruiting the next generation of physicians. ⋯ Through this pipeline program, current underrepresented applicants experience a two-day recruitment event that introduces them to life as a medical student. Incorporating current medical students in recruitment programming allows institutions to access a knowledgeable and inspirational resource that is readily available. Current medical students can provide firsthand perspectives into the journey that is medical school while serving as role models for future physicians.
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Compared with other racial/ethnic groups, African Americans have higher rates of chronic conditions and suffer a disproportionate burden of disability. We aimed to examine the effects of social support on physical functioning among older African Americans. ⋯ Social support given and social support received as well as the ratio should be considered when seeking to understand how physical functioning changes over time among older African Americans.