URiM Trainees’ Attitudes Towards Research Participation: A Pilot Survey

Purpose

In 2021 the NIH acknowledged the role of structural racism in research, including the systematic exclusion of diseaseaffected individuals in favor of cohorts that resemble the “census” population. To address future racial exclusion, understanding the attitudes towards research among current Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) trainees is essential.

Methods

An ad-hoc survey of trainees (pre-medical students, medical students, and residents) was conducted at the 2024 Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC). Demographic data was collected, and participants were surveyed on their experiences as research subjects. The anonymous survey was conducted via Microsoft Forms; deidentified data was stored securely on SNMA servers.

Results

Out of approximately 3500 attendees, 158 (4.5%) completed surveys. Most were current medical students (76.6%), and identified as Black (93.7%), and as female/women (65.8%). Most respondents (71.5%) had never been a research subject and 64.6% had never been invited. Non-participation was mainly due to scheduling conflicts (35.4%), ineligibility (21.5%), and being unaware of opportunities (12%). Only 8% of respondents cited historical mistrust or friend/family concerns.

Conclusion

This pilot survey of AMEC attendees suggests URiM trainees have infrequently been asked to participate in research as subjects, despite possible interest. Contrary to popular narratives, most respondents indicated that logistical concerns, not concerns of historical mistrust, drive underrepresentation in research studies, even among medical trainees. Future directions include surveying trainees’ experiences joining research teams, and further analyses by geographics, age, and levels of training.