Faculty lead: Andrea Card, MD, MPH
dcoe-premed@med.cornell.edu

Health disparities across racial and ethnic groups has been well documented. In medicine, racial and ethnic minorities (Black, Latinx, and Native American) are underrepresented. In particular, groups such as black men represent 6 percent of physicians. As a result, the Weill Cornell Diversity of Center of Excellence created the Premedical Diversity Initiative in 2018 order to establish new linkages and strengthen existing linkages with premedical advisor and student premedical groups at partner institutions.

Partner Institutions:

• Cornell University
• City College
• Columbia University
• Fordham University
• Hunter College
• St. John’s University

Initiatives:

• Annual Health Equity Pre-Medical Conference. This is open to any pre-medical undergraduate student or recent graduate. (late January)
• Dining with Doctors. This is a short-term mentoring and networking session limited to students at partner institutions. This is an in-person program that is not being held due to the pandemic.
• Dialogues in Health (new in fall of 2020). This is a virtual program hosted by a Weill Cornell faculty and trainees and for students at partner institutions. (1.5 hour sessions each academic semester)
• Career in Medicine Enhancement Program (new for spring 2021). CMEP is a program for pre-medical college students (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and recent graduates) which pairs participants with a mentor. Visit the program page for more details. (Annually, February through April)
• Health Careers Conference for Fordham Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) participants. Visit the program page for more details. (July)
• Other programs with WCM partners: Hospital tour, Simulation lab, Health Careers Conference. These programs are limited to students at partner institutions.