Outcomes are reported from a Graduation Questionnaire administered to 20,112 graduating medical students (64% of all graduating students in 2003 and 2004) from 118 US-based allopathic medical schools. It sought to determine whether student body racial and ethnic diversity is associated with diversity-related outcomes among US medical students. White students in the highest diversity quintile, as assessed by the proportion of under-represented minority (URM) students, were more likely to rate themselves as highly prepared to care for minority populations than those in the lowest diversity quintile (61.1% vs 53.9%, respectively; p<0.001). This association was strongest in schools in which students perceived a positive climate for inter-racial interaction. White students in the highest URM quintile were also more likely to have strong attitudes endorsing equitable access to care (54.8% vs 44.2%, respectively; p<0.001). No such significant associations were seen between student body URM proportions and diversity-related outcomes for nonwhite students. Intent to practice in an underserved area was greatest among URM students than among white or nonwhite/non-URM students (48.7% vs 18.8% vs 16.2%, respectively).
