New York State Department of Health Announces $432,000 in Additional Funding to Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University to Expand Physician Diversity

Total State Investment of $4.89 Million in Diversity Programs Includes Funding to Three Programs at Upstate

Programs and Scholarships Managed by Associated Medical Schools of New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 30, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health today announced $432,000 for three Diversity in Medicine programs at Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Additionally, 15 medical school students will receive scholarships this year to cover most of their tuition in exchange for a commitment to practice in underserved areas in New York. This funding is part of a $4.89 million State Health Department investment in Diversity in Medicine programs to support 950 students in 18 programs across New York State. The programs help students become physicians, improve access to care and eliminate health disparities. Additionally, the state will support medical school scholarships for 23 students covering state tuition for a year.

"The investment in the Diversity in Medicine Program affirms the State's commitment to eliminate health disparities, ensure diversity in the medical profession, expand access to quality health care services and improve health outcomes for all New Yorkers," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "This program builds diversity within the health care workforce and financially supports future medical professionals to have more opportunities to blossom in their careers and pour into their communities."

"The better our physician workforce reflects the populations served, the greater the health outcomes will be for all New Yorkers," Associated Medical Schools of New York President and CEO Jonathan Teyan said. "AMSNY is deeply grateful for our three-decades-long partnership with the New York State Department of Health that allows us to continue to innovate and expand the pathways to medical school for students who have demonstrated their commitments to improving health disparities and practicing medicine in underserved communities."

Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University programs receiving funding include:

  • The Public Health Scholars Program supports students who pursue a 42-credit Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at Upstate. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded the MPH degree and are offered matriculation into Upstate's MD program.
  • Distinguishing Docs Program solidifies the academic foundation of current medical students, accelerating students' academic success by providing individualized support and enrichment, such as test preparation, tutoring, research opportunities and professional development to help them achieve their goals.
  • The Medical Scholars Master's Program is a 30.5-credit Master of Science in Medical Technology program. The curriculum emphasizes clinical laboratory science and includes a thesis and mentoring component.

Research has shown that when patients are cared for by physicians with shared backgrounds and shared languages, it fosters greater trust and communication, resulting in improved access to care, adherence to clinical recommendations, treatment and follow-up care.

"We must diversify the physician workforce to help all New Yorkers achieve better health outcomes," Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said. "I'm thrilled to have long championed the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine programs and scholarships and am grateful to Governor Hochul and the Department of Health Commissioner for their support. Together we will close the health disparities gap."

"I am pleased to support a program committed to eliminating health disparities and expanding access to health care services," Assemblymember Al Stirpe said. "The Diversity in Medicine program provides a unique opportunity for prospective medical students who have overcome adversity. The scholarship is a creative tool to help support the future generations of doctors in our region who look and speak the various languages of the diverse population of NY. I thank the Commissioner for his continued support, Speaker Heastie for his leadership and the Assembly for its commitment to this vital program."

"We want to thank Associated Medical Schools of New York and New York State for supporting these important programs that create a wider pathway for individuals who want to pursue careers in medicine," Norton College of Medicine Dean Dr. Lawrence Chin said. "We hear from students how programs such as these have provided that extra element of support and preparation needed to compete and succeed in medical school and other programs leading to careers in medicine. Our medical field is better when it looks like our community."

"A diverse healthcare workforce is essential for providing comprehensive and equitable care to all patients," SUNY Upstate Medical University Associate Dean and Director of Admission & Enrollment Management Robert F. Ruiz said. "By representing the communities we serve, our students can better understand the unique health needs and experiences of diverse populations."

"The Public Health Scholars program opens doors for students entering medicine from a variety of backgrounds, while offering exactly the combined medical and public health training we would want physicians to have to effectively practice in underserved communities and populations," SUNY Upstate Medical University Professor and Chair of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Dr. Christopher Morley said.

"For more than a decade, the New York State Department of Health and the non-profit Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) have been supporting our students—helping dozens of diverse students' progress to careers in science and medicine," SUNY Upstate Medical University Assistant Professor and Chair of Department of Clinical Laboratory Science Aaron Glass said. "Most of the time, all that's needed is a little boost for our students to pursue their dreams. Without the support of DOH, AMSNY, and the decision makers here at SUNY Upstate, we couldn't run these essential programs. Imagine the talent and potential that would be lost from our healthcare system and our research enterprise."

"These programs provide students who have not been afforded a traditional pathway to medical school the opportunity to demonstrate that they can be the great doctors we need," SUNY Upstate Medical University Director of Access and Multicultural Programs Nakeia Chambers said.

Diversity in Medicine Programs is managed by AMSNY to increase equitable representation in health professions.

AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Program Awardees 2024-2025 include:

  • Bronx Community Health Leaders Program - Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • Mentoring in Medicine After School Program - Mentoring in Medicine, Inc
  • Expanding the Bridge to Medical School - Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Bridge to Clerkship Program - CUNY School of Medicine
  • Supporting, Educating, and Enriching Diversity (SEED) Mentoring Program - NYU Grossman School of Medicine
  • Expanded Stony Brook Underrepresented Pre-Med Scholars (eSUPREMES) Program - Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
  • Public Health Scholars Program - Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • Distinguishing Docs Program - Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • Fortifying the Pipeline of Historically Disadvantaged Students to Enhance Medical School Recruitment and Retention Program - New York Medical College
  • Next-Gen Leaders of Surgical Health Outcomes Research - School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center
  • Office of Equity of Inclusion Program - School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center

The state funding also supports five post-baccalaureate and master's programs and pipeline programs at City College of New York and the City University of New York. The AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Scholarship will award 23 students in the coming school year. The scholarship covers state tuition for a year, reducing financial barriers to attending medical school. Recipients must commit to working in underserved areas in New York State upon completion of their medical education.

AMSNY launched its first Diversity in Medicine Pathway Programs in 1985 and the State Health Department has provided funding for these programs since 2002. More than 700 practicing physicians have graduated from the AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Programs, many of whom stay and practice in New York State.