OSU College of Medicine looks to up diversity in student body

Researchers found that prior to the 2012-2013 admissions cycle, the medical school admissions team at Columbus-based The Ohio State College of Medicine exhibited signs of unconscious racial bias when selecting potential medical school candidates, creating a less-diverse environment for students and staff, according to The Lantern.

Quinn Capers, MD, associate dean for admissions at The OSU College of Medicine and author of the study, asked the class of 2012 admissions committee to take an implicit association test, which measured attitudes and beliefs people may feel uncomfortable reporting or admitting.

Data for the research was released this year. Researchers found a correlation between diversity and higher test scores, according to the article.

 "Excellence and diversity are aligned," said Leon McDougle, MD, chief diversity officer of Columbus-based The OSU's Wexner Medical Center and a study researcher. "That's what we're seeking to advance: inclusive excellence. With that, affirming the value and positive impact that diversity has on excellence and innovation."

Dr. Capers and school officials said the effects of the study will have a large impact on the selection of students for future classes.

"Underrepresented minorities, such as Native Americans, African Americans and Hispanics, overall, tend to provide more charity care and designate more of their time to disadvantaged patients," which will, in turn, allow more communities of underrepresented people attain the care they deserve, according to the article.

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