School of Medicine

The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review on the different models that people and organizations have used and are using to increase underrepresented medical student and physician diversity. People have tried for many years to understand and develop ways of increasing diversity in the workforce and medicine has been no different. After the abolition of affirmative action in California, there was a stark decline in the number of underrepresented minorities enrolled in public medical schools. With the new Affordable Care Act, there will be an unprecedented number of people needing healthcare in this country - many of whom will be from underserved communities. This literature review focuses on investigating different models utilized in increasing underrepresented minority enrollment, recruitment and retention through medical school. The effectiveness and outcomes of these different models are discussed, and recommendations are made based on the results of this literature review.