J Natl Med Assoc
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Racial/ethnic minority groups and low-income students continue to be underrepresented in medicine (URiM) despite years of diversity and inclusion efforts. Post baccalaureate programs (PBP) are shown to prepare underrepresented students to successfully matriculate to medical school. However, identification of the aspects of a PBP that are key to future success in medicine from the student perspective is lacking. Therefore, this study was designed to answer the question, "What aspects of a post baccalaureate program do URiM students see as valuable to their future success?" ⋯ Our findings suggest that in addition to academic preparation, PBPs for students who are underrepresented in medicine should empower students to recognize their strengths and qualifications in the field of medicine. Our study participants rejected the term "disadvantaged" as they celebrated the value of their backgrounds and what they bring to medicine.
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Social variables are correlates of mortality. A number of social variables were used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create a Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). SVI has been used as a correlate of health status. Age-adjusted mortality rates have been higher in Mississippi than in other states. Within Mississippi, the Delta region has had higher mortality. To test the hypothesis that social vulnerability was associated with mortality rate within the state, we examined SVI of counties in Mississippi as related to mortality from all causes in 2016-2020. ⋯ Socioeconomic status explained a fifth of the variation in AAR among Mississippi counties in 2016-2020.