Invest in Our Healers and Leaders

In an aging and diversifying society where people of color often die before their time, more primary care physicians and physician assistants (PAs) are needed, especially in medically underserved areas. Although the number of people applying to medical schools and PA programs has dramatically increased, the traditional pipeline continues to leak for minorities. The CUNY School of Medicine (CUNY Med) has successfully removed barriers to careers in medicine for those who typically are left out and behind. CUNY Med students intrinsically understand the social determinants of health and deeply care about communities. They bring this knowledge to their patients and the neighborhoods these students serve, often where they were raised and will call home.

In this light, our goals remain clear: to train new doctors and physician assistants, expand health care capacity, reduce health disparities and inequities in communities of color, and improve healthcare access for medically under-resourced residents in New York and beyond. Our success would not be possible, however, without the resources to benefit our learners and the community at large. 

Impact of Investing:

• Close the gap in New York’s – and the nation’s – MD/PA shortage

• Provide access to health care for medically underserved populations

• Support students from New York to become doctors/PAs for New York

• Meet the needs of people and communities across the state

• Build collaborations and community partnerships

• Secure economic growth and job creation<