AMA adopts policies supporting indigenous-led medical education

CHICAGO - Physicians and medical students at the Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association House of Delegates adopted policy to strengthen the physician workforce in Indigenous communities and support efforts to advance Indigenous-led medical schools in the United States.

The policies call on the AMA to bring together Tribal Nations, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Indigenous-led organizations, and other partners to explore the development of Indigenous-led medical schools in the United States. The effort will examine issues such as accreditation, financing, and governance.

There are currently no Indigenous-led medical schools in the United States. The nation's only tribally affiliated medical school campus operates through a partnership between the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. The new AMA policies support exploring Indigenous-led medical schools that would be developed and governed by Indigenous communities themselves, with leadership structures grounded in tribal sovereignty and community priorities.

Indigenous populations continue to face significant physician workforce shortages and health disparities. In 2023, American Indian and Alaska Native individuals accounted for just 0.28 percent of applicants to U.S. MD-granting medical schools and .2 percent of U.S. DO-granting medical schools.

"Supporting Indigenous students and Indigenous leadership in medical education is essential to building a physician workforce that can meet the needs of Indigenous communities," said AMA Trustee Sheila Rege, MD. "By expanding mentorship, training, and educational opportunities, these policies will help strengthen the Indigenous physician workforce and improve access to care for Indigenous patients."

Under the new policies, the AMA will support programs that connect Indigenous students with physicians and other mentors who can help guide them through academic preparation, medical school applications, and career planning. In addition, the AMA will work with Tribal communities to develop Indigenous-centered undergraduate medical education resources that reflect the values and health needs of these communities.

The policies also call on the AMA to support development programs that help Indigenous physicians prepare for leadership roles in medicine, health care organizations, and public health. The AMA will also work to improve recruitment and retention of Indigenous faculty and leaders in medical education through a new initiative in collaboration with AMA Ed Hub™.