Madison A Masters BS, Alexis Mbakwe MS, Erin Johnson PhD, Sierra Mills MS, M. Keith Rawlings MD
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
In 2021 the NIH acknowledged the role of structural racism in research, including the systematic exclusion of diseaseaffected individuals in favor of cohorts that resemble the “census” population. To address future racial exclusion, understanding the attitudes towards research among current Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) trainees is essential.
Methods
An ad-hoc survey of trainees (pre-medical students, medical students, and residents) was conducted at the 2024 Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC). Demographic data was collected, and participants were surveyed on their experiences as research subjects. The anonymous survey was conducted via Microsoft Forms; deidentified data was stored securely on SNMA servers.
Results
Out of approximately 3500 attendees, 158 (4.5%) completed surveys. Most were current medical students (76.6%), and identified as Black (93.7%), and as female/women (65.8%). Most respondents (71.5%) had never been a research subject and 64.6% had never been invited. Non-participation was mainly due to scheduling conflicts (35.4%), ineligibility (21.5%), and being unaware of opportunities (12%). Only 8% of respondents cited historical mistrust or friend/family concerns.
Conclusion
This pilot survey of AMEC attendees suggests URiM trainees have infrequently been asked to participate in research as subjects, despite possible interest. Contrary to popular narratives, most respondents indicated that logistical concerns, not concerns of historical mistrust, drive underrepresentation in research studies, even among medical trainees. Future directions include surveying trainees’ experiences joining research teams, and further analyses by geographics, age, and levels of training.
期刊介绍:
Journal of the National Medical Association, the official journal of the National Medical Association, is a peer-reviewed publication whose purpose is to address medical care disparities of persons of African descent.
The Journal of the National Medical Association is focused on specialized clinical research activities related to the health problems of African Americans and other minority groups. Special emphasis is placed on the application of medical science to improve the healthcare of underserved populations both in the United States and abroad. The Journal has the following objectives: (1) to expand the base of original peer-reviewed literature and the quality of that research on the topic of minority health; (2) to provide greater dissemination of this research; (3) to offer appropriate and timely recognition of the significant contributions of physicians who serve these populations; and (4) to promote engagement by member and non-member physicians in the overall goals and objectives of the National Medical Association.