Racial and Ethnic Diversity in HSR: Pockets of Progress but a Long Way to Go Preliminary Findings from The W.K. Kellogg Transition Grant Presented by Kelly J. Devers, Ph.D.

Methods and Data  66 semi-structured interviews with: –Chairs –Faculty –Students  Interview respondents were from a purposive sample of 9 of 10 institutions targeted for study

Definition  Underrepresented students are –African Americans –Hispanics –Native Americans, and –Asians who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Barriers  Many ports of entry into HSR  Competition between HSR and other fields  Institutional and/or program constraints  Student qualifications  Other student characteristics or capabilities

Overcoming Barriers  Efforts were underway to address barriers  Most felt some real progress has been made  However, efforts often were: –Driven by, and dependent on, a few key people –Not comprehensive, and –Informal

Overcoming Competition and Qualifications Barriers  There were a few examples of efforts to increase knowledge of HSR and student skills. –E.g., link with historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the area, summer or internship programs  However, the majority of respondents felt to overcome this barrier the field needs a much broader, concerted, and long-term effort

Overcoming Competition and Qualification Barriers (2)  Critical needs include: –Increase supply of highly qualified applicants –More effectively market HSR to students at earlier stage of career choice and development –Help HSR programs, faculty, and underrepresented students locate each other  Many suggested AcademyHealth, in conjunction with Foundations, should lead these efforts

Overcoming Institutional and/or Program Constraints  Articulate the benefits of diversity  Better understand underrepresented students needs and concerns  Find financial and non-financial resources  Offer more substantive and methodological courses of interest

Overcoming Institutional and/or Program Constraints (2)  Develop effective mentors who help: –Access resources –Develop range of professional skills –Address more unique or particular issues  Develop networks with people in different departments and universities  Build a “critical mass” of underrepresented faculty and students

Overcoming Other Student Barriers  Helping underrepresented students develop required skills –Summer program –Tutoring

Reactions to Fellowship  Very positive!  Questions or possible improvements: –When fellowship would be available to students –Ways to leverage funds –Aspects of the program that are important or should be enhanced –Ways the program should be competed and administered

Additions or Alternatives  Summer Fellowship or One-year Internship –Directed at prospective HSR students (e.g., advanced undergraduates, masters level students)