Disability's absence from admissions nondiscrimination and recruitment initiatives in Top-Tier US allopathic medical schools

Abstract

Background

Diversity in medical school students is essential to ensure that future physicians can care for a range of patients from different backgrounds. However, disability is often overlooked and there are potential examples of discrimination in US medical schools.

Objective

To determine if students with disabilities are included in online recruitment, diversity equity and inclusion (DEI), or nondiscrimination materials for US allopathic medical schools.

Methods

In this descriptive study, the authors reviewed publicly available data from websites of the top ranked 51 US allopathic medical schools to assess inclusion of disability in recruitment efforts or antidiscrimination statements.

Results

The results showed that just under one third of these schools (31 %) mention disability within their DEI or published recruitment efforts. Most commonly (27.5 %), disability is mentioned in a general diversity statement.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that there is a need for greater inclusion of disability in US medical schools' recruitment efforts. This is essential to ensure that people with disabilities are not discriminated against in medical school applications and is one of many factors that will contribute to future physicians being prepared to care for patients with disabilities.