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)