Philadelphia, PA (August 5, 2020) — The American College of Physicians (ACP), representing 163,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), subspecialists, internal medicine trainees and fellows, and medical students, issued a new position statement strongly encouraging medical schools to engage in holistic reviews of applicants in their admissions process, and to waive Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) requirements for applicants seeking admission in 2021, in light of the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ACP recognizes that traditional medical school application processes for pre-medical students taking the MCAT examination have been disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether due to personal health and safety concerns, vendor-initiated scheduling changes, or difficulties in accessing testing centers. ACP says that applicants of color and those from lower socioeconomic groups are disproportionately impacted by factors such as venue changes to distant testing centers, and expresses concern that mandatory MCAT testing in the midst of the current public health emergency will increase disparities in career opportunity among people of color and those of lower socioeconomic status.
“ACP supports the needs of learners as they pursue entry into medical school in the midst of the current COVID-19 public health emergency,” said Jacqueline W. Fincher, MD, MACP, president, ACP. “Now more than ever, during these challenging times facing health care, we need to help reduce barriers for students who seek to continue their education and training on a path to join the physician workforce and medical community, which continues to fulfill a vital need in our country.”
Contact: Andrew Hachadorian, (215) 351-2514, AHachadorian@acponline.org
About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 163,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.