American Medical Association awards scholarships to minority students

American Medical Association awards scholarships to minority students

The healthcare industry is expected to see a shortage in the coming years as emerging trends, such as global aging, place a strain on the system. As a result, job prospects for individuals who have completed campus-based or online degree programs in this field are expected to be high.

However, the cost of completing a medical degree program can be quite daunting to many prospective doctors. Consequently, organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation are working to ensure that qualified students are able to pursue their educational goals.

AMA officials recently announced the winners of its annual Minority Scholars Awards program, which disburses financial aid packages to diverse medical students.

This year, a total of 13 individuals who were enrolled in their second year of medical school received the $10,000 scholarships. The program is intended to provide financial assistance to members of ethnic groups that are historically underrepresented in the medical field, including those of African American/Black, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native and Hispanic/Latino descent.

Richard Hovland, president of the AMA Foundation, said that he is "confident these students will play a key role in decreasing health care disparities in the United States – they have made the commitment, through their actions and words, to do so."

By Stefanie Hughes