American Indians and Alaska natives: how do they find their path to medical school?

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Hollow WB et al

October 12, 2010

Summary:

In an attempt to understand the supports and barriers that American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) students encounter on their path to successful medical school entry, who remain underrepresented in the medical profession, these researchers analysed qualitative semistructured, one-on-one, confidential interviews with 10 AI/AN medical students to identify salient support and barrier themes.

Comment:

Key themes included: educational experience, competing career options, health care experiences, financial factors, cultural connections, family and friends, spirituality and discrimination. The authors propose a number of distinctive strategies to improve recruitment including the provision of role models as advisors; involving indigenous communities in native health research; and importantly, addressing spiritual concerns for indigenous students who may experience tension between their own cultural beliefs and the principles promoted in Western medicine.

Reference: Acad Med. 2006;81(10 Suppl):S65-9.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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