Diversity in Health Services Research IV

Racial and Ethnic Diversity in HSR: Student Feedback Presented by Virginia Van Horne, MA; data analyzed by Sarah A. Manes, MPP June 6, 2004 Focus Group Characteristics      2 Focus Groups; 1 conducted at each of two institutions 16 students 8 Asian (includes Indian), 5 African American, 2 Hispanic, 1 Native American 13 women, 3 men Mix of Master’s and Doctoral candidates Focus Group Questions       Choice of HSR as a career Choice of institution Program characteristics Mentors Future Opinions about Fellowship/Summer program Factors Important to Decisionmaking        Diversity in faculty, students, community Faculty outreach, accessibility of advisors Funding Institutional support and attitude toward people of color Program/class size Faculty working in area of research interest Reputation of program Barriers - - Knowledge of HSR is limited Role models are limited Institutional connections inconsistent Faculty institutional support system varies Mentoring    Critical Source of mentor varies Advisor role can differ from mentor Importance of Diversity in HSR Be careful of pigeon-holing Reactions to Fellowship/Summer Program      Adequate funding Timing flexible for use of funds Creative funding – conferences, books, etc. Many portals of entry Target potential students working in field Reactions to Fellowship/Summer Program     Be savvy with marketing to reach wider population Fellowship should not be tied to acceptance into a doctoral program Selective selection criteria – existence of past student loans, etc. Do not target summer program toward undergraduates