Who We Are
ElevateMeD, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managed by a Board of Directors that was developed out of the need to elevate medicine to an ideal where the physician workforce racially and ethnically represents the community served. The cost of medical education in the United States has become prohibitive, distracting bright students from seeking a career in medicine. Medical students from racial and ethnic backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in medicine are facing unprecedented levels of indebtedness, stifling their future career choices. The ElevateMeD Scholars program will provide significant financial assistance to medical students while providing them access to mentorship, leadership training, and financial management education. ElevateMeD Scholars will become the next generation of physician leaders, well poised to continue the cycle of philanthropy and dedication to community.
Our Focus
ElevateMeD recognizes the multifaceted shortcomings in the pipeline toward a career in medicine. Our focus is creating financial assistance for bright and talented medical students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. In so doing, we will attract students toward a career in medicine with the cost no longer being a detractor. ElevateMeD connects scholars with mentors and organizations who share our mission and vision of diversity in medicine.
Mission
ElevateMeD is committed to elevating the field of medicine by providing financial support and mentorship to future physicians. We aim to increase physician workforce diversity and improve cultural competence among physicians to reduce health disparities.
Vision
To inspire and support future generations of physicians from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Values
Progressive Philanthropy; Lasting Powerful Impact; Collaboration Across Cultures
Consider the following facts:
The American Medical Student Association reports that cost is the top reason qualified minority students reported not enrolling in medical school.
According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) 2015 report, financial barriers of students of color are on average much heavier than those of white students due to lower socioeconomic status, lack of access to information about scholarships and limited funding for medical school education.
Black/African American, Latino, and Native medical students are less well represented in specialty care within medicine compared to other ethnic groups. We surmise that this is because the burden of indebtedness reduces the likelihood that they will pursue the advanced education required to pursue specialty and subspecialty education.
The average cost of public medical school is $243,902.
According to the AAMC , in 2015 average indebtedness for Black/African-Americans is $200,000 for public and $211,000 for private medical schools, with over 20% owing over $300,000.
In 2015, average indebtedness for Hispanic/Latino is $174,167 for public and $192,500 for private medical schools, with over 13% owing over $300,000.
In 2018 21% of students attending private medical schools have a debt of $300,000 or more.
ElevateMeD is poised to make significant strides in key areas impacting medical students from targeted backgrounds. We are a vehicle for substantive lasting change. We exist because of the profound struggle presented by the staggering costs of medical education.