In a qualitative study looking at the journey of first-generation medical students in the U.S., the hurdles faced by this underrepresented group came to the forefront. Despite strides toward diversity in medical education, the findings underscore the need for comprehensive policies, practices, and support systems to empower first-generation medical students and foster equitable professional growth.
Abraham Gallegos, MD, MS, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson of Medicine (KPSOM) Assistant Professor of Health Systems Science coauthored the study, “Challenges Facing First-Generation College Graduates in Medical School: A Qualitative Analysis,” published on the Journal of the American Medical Association Network.
Some key findings of the study included first-generation medical students experiencing a sense of isolation and exclusion as newcomers to the medical field, having difficulty accessing basic resources (such as rent, food, and transport), and lacking institutional support.
