tula medical school scholarship program
for underrepresented communities in medicine
As a brand based on science, skin health & wellness, & also one that’s founded by a practicing internal medicine doctor who is a woman of color, we’re committed to furthering advances in medical research, health care & health equity.
WHAT
We’re supporting research fellowships & grants for medical students & residents enrolled at NYU Grossman School of Medicine who are disproportionately underrepresented in medicine (URiM).
WHY
- Increasing the diversity of healthcare providers means our richly diverse population will be better served by our healthcare system—ultimately helping to minimize disparities in health outcomes.
- By helping students who are URiM gain access to academic research experience, we're also helping to ensure their perspectives are taken into account in health journals & publications which shape the curriculum for future students & their patients, broadening the impact even further.
- The students get fantastic research on their resumes, which opens doors to better graduate programs, practices & residencies
“Pursuing a career in medicine means constantly competing to get to the next level. As an undergrad, you're taking pre-med classes, studying for your MCAT & applying to medical schools. In medical school, you're applying for academic research, finding & working with mentors & striving to achieve the best possible residency program in your chosen field. In residency, you're thinking about how to position your experience to get your first job. The fellowships & grants TULA will provide will help set students up for success during pivotal stages of their medical careers & ultimately help them be the best possible care providers.”
- Dr. Roshini Raj, TULA Founder & practicing doctor
HOW
TULA will financially sponsor the following for students enrolled at NYU Grossman School of Medicine:
- 5 summer fellowships for medical students through the Office of Diversity Affairs, prioritizing students who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM)
- 4 research grants for residents who are underrepresented in medicine through the Department of Internal Medicine Organization for Nurturing Diversity (DIMOND)
- 1 excellence in health disparities research award for meaningful contribution to health disparity & / or diversity in medicine research.
OUR FOUNDER & NYU
We’re excited & proud to support NYU Grossman School of Medicine on this initiative because Dr. Raj studied there & did her internship, residency & fellowship all at NYU Langone Health. She’s currently practicing at NYU Langone & is teaching at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. TULA’s also an NYC-based company.
WHAT'S THE LINK BETWEEN DIVERSITY & HEALTH OUTCOMES?
Significant disparities in health outcomes exist. Some of these disparities can be tied back to patient care & the lack of diversity within the healthcare provider community. To help set the stage, studies report that most active physicians are White (56%) & male (64%). The same study reports that only 5% of active physicians identify as Black or African American. (Source)
A lack of diversity in the medical field can mean that certain patients have trouble finding physicians that are knowledgeable about their specific needs—they can’t find providers who look like them, who understand their beliefs, values, perspectives, cultures or lifestyles. This may not only impact the quality of care a person gets, it may stop them from seeking care all together.
So increasing the diversity of healthcare providers means the best possible patient care for all patients.
WHO QUALIFIES AS “UNDERREPRESENTED IN MEDICINE”?
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) defines Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) as: "Those racial & ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population." (Source)
For this program, the definition includes Black or African-American, Latino/Hispanic, or American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian racial groups as well as LGBTQIA+ communities. While the definition above is a starting point, it is not exhaustive & applications from individuals who self-identify differently will be considered.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE TULA’S SPONSORSHIPS?
Eligibility is limited to students enrolled at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
WHEN DO THE GRANT / FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN & HOW DO I APPLY?
Eligibility is limited to students enrolled at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. For more information please see here & here.
WHO SELECTS RECIPIENTS OF THE GRANTS, FELLOWSHIP & THE AWARD?
NYU Grossman School of Medicine recipients are selected by a diverse panel of senior leadership in the Department of Medicine, including both faculty & staff.
