Asian American Experience in the Largest Allopathic Medical School

Abstract

Asians generally comprise around 20% of medical professionals but make up about 7% of the United States population. They are considered an overrepresented minority within the field of medicine. We studied the Pan- Asian diaspora at the only allopathic medical school in Indiana by identifying relationships and trends of medical students. The percentage of the Asian population in the state of Indiana is approximately 2.7%. The Indiana University School of Medicine possesses two unique qualities that make it stand out among its counterparts and suitable for a study regarding representation across Indiana and comparable midwestern schools: 1) It has nine statewide campuses covering the entire state, and 2) it is largest medical school in the nation.

In this cross-sectional study, we obtained matriculation and graduation data from classes entering IUSM between 2013-2022. Data were de-identified per protocols within IUSM’s Business Intelligence office. IRB review not required due to a determination of not human research. The racial category of Asian was determined by self- identification on one or more application and/or onboarding forms. It includes, but is not limited to, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Korea, Indian, Japanese, Vietnamese. The category may also include those who identify as two or more races. Excluded are American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander.

Asian representation at IUSM were comparable to the overall representation of Asians in medicine. While regional variation differed among each of the nine statewide campuses, the population of Asian students were overrepresented compared to their respective campus’s county population. There was also no significant difference between Asians and non-Asians matching outside of Indiana for residency nor was there any selection for a specific specialty (e.g. primary care, surgery). Our work stands to highlight the importance of quantifying the Asian experience and to benefit future work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Asian experience is unique when considering the group’s underrepresentation in society but overrepresentation in the medical field. Given the “model minority” myth surrounding Asians at large, more data and studies are needed to examine and understand the experience of medical students as they interface with the hidden curriculum and patient care.