Diversity & Inclusion

From their first day on campus to graduation day, students at Albany Medical College have multiple opportunities to express aspects of their identities as part of campus life.

During M1 Orientation, faculty, staff, and students share information on the resources and events offered by the Division of Community Outreach and Medical Education. Through the Day of Service and Albany Immersion Experience, those who are new to the campus are introduced to Albany through the lens of social determinants of health. Students, residents, fellows, and faculty who are underrepresented in medicine are invited to participate in an annual welcome brunch.

Throughout the year, Albany Medical College celebrates the diverse background of the campus community through college observances such as educational opportunities, community service drives, archive displays, and more.

We are committed to the integration of all medical students at Albany Medical College into the surrounding community. This is done in a meaningful way through Service Learning. Social determinants of health and the importance of working with diverse underserved populations are particularly emphasized.

Learn more about Service Learning and the opportunities offered to students.

Science and Entry Technology Program (STEP)

Our STEP program offers a robust experience in STEM for middle and high school students in Albany and beyond who are from underrepresented backgrounds or who are economically disadvantaged. Twice weekly throughout the academic year, students convene on the campus to hone science skills and practice scientific thinking with the guidance of medical students, faculty, visiting lecturers, diverse professionals and practitioners, and STEP staff. With a focus on college preparation STEP facilitates college tours in New York State, and engages parents in activities to help them become advocates and co-navigators of the college application process as their children prepare to pursue rigorous STEM majors.

Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP)

Albany Medical College Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP) is a two-day annual program designed for sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate pre-med underrepresented in medicine and economically disadvantaged students. The program gives an intensive look at the medical school admissions process, what Albany Medical College is looking for in candidates, a day in the life of a medical student, and MCAT preparation techniques. Students spend time in the Patient Safety and Clinical Competency Center and have the opportunity to have personal questions about the medical school admissions process answered.

Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) University at Buffalo Post-Baccalaureate Program with Albany Medical College

The goal of the program is to expand the pool of underrepresented, educationally and economically disadvantaged students in medicine. Each year, two or three students matriculate after being recommended by the Albany Medical College admissions director. The students are accepted for the following academic year if they obtain a grade of B or higher in all their graduate science courses after a year at the University at Buffalo. The program is funded by New York State and tuition is free for participating students.

University at Albany/SUNY/Albany Medical College Early Assurance Pathway Program

This program targets Underrepresented in Medicine, First Generation College Graduates and Economically Disadvantaged Students. Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.4 throughout their undergraduate years and will be connected with clinical experiences at Albany Medical Center. Students are identified in their sophomore year at University at Albany.

The Albany Medical College Division of Community Outreach & Medical Education is active in the Capital Region community. Through connections with local not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and more, our team leads and supports programs and initiatives on and off campus that help to create a more respectful and inclusive health care, and overall, climate.