Student-Led Initiatives Foster Inclusivity in US Medical Schools

Research suggests that diversity among students in medical schools enhances the educational experience of all students^1,2,3. Recently, these outcomes have jump-started efforts to increase medical student diversity. However, much of the literature on diversity in medical education focuses on admissions and recruitment, with less attention given to fostering inclusivity and belonging after matriculation. Furthermore, most research relates to faculty or institutional efforts, with a paucity of references to student-driven efforts. Yet student-led efforts can cultivate student trust of institutional leadership and ultimately support the educational priorities of medical schools^4,5,6. Partnership between medical students and faculty has been demonstrably effective when applied to student governance⁷. Here we describe a student initiative integrating student–faculty partnership with the mission of advancing inclusion and belonging.

At the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), a student organization, Students for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (SIDE), was founded to foster inclusivity and belonging across the student body. With support from faculty and administration, SIDE was established as an independent student government organization charged with addressing student-identified needs. We describe the origins of SIDE, its impact, and guiding principles applicable to other institutions. Finally, we argue for the need for similar organizations amid current political challenges.