In contemporary society, marked by its significant diversity due to globalization and high individual mobility, the range of patient socio-economic and cultural backgrounds has notably broadened. This diversity calls for an equally varied healthcare workforce to ensure comprehensive and inclusive medical services. Research has consistently shown that diversity within the medical profession enhances the inclusivity of the care provided. Given the traditional view in some global regions of medicine as an elite, exclusive profession, many potential applicants, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, may feel inherently discouraged from even aspiring to enter this field. This perception needs to be addressed by making medical education more accessible through widened participation and more inclusive selection processes, welcoming students from various ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.

This Research Topic aims to explore and present a comprehensive analysis of the breadth and depth of existing research on efforts to broaden participation and access to medical careers. This collection seeks to understand the initiatives and approaches aimed at counteracting barriers to medical education, particularly those incorporating inclusive selection methods and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the medical field. By collating diverse perspectives and methodologies from around the world - including insights from healthcare professionals, medical educators, and policy administrators - we seek to highlight effective measures that have been adopted to ensure the medical profession is reflective of the society it serves.

To gather further insights in different global contexts and settings, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

  •    Inclusive selection and admission strategies for medical school applicants.
  •    Affirmative action in medical schools to foster diversity and equity.
  •    Technology and digital tools for leveling the playing field for medical school admissions.
  •    Transition and integration strategies for diverse student bodies in medical schools.
  •    Evaluations of diversity within healthcare professionals and strategies to enhance it.

This Research Topic welcomes all types of manuscript, from reviews to empirical studies. More information about the different article types can be found here.

Topic Editor Julie Willems is Director of UCAT ANZ, and a researcher with the ‘Fire to Flourish’ Project which has received industry funding. All other Topic Editors declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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Frontiers in Medicine

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