These statistics tell of a remarkable success story for Asian Americans. Yet, as became clear at a day-long conference on Oct. 15 sponsored by the HMS Asian Health Association, they still feel many uncertainties as they pursue medical careers. Asian American students at HMS are concerned about the lack of Asian Americans in high-level administrative jobs within the medical school, the dearth of Asian American advisors, and stereotypes about their ethnicity. The panelists responded by telling the students that they should have hope and confidence that they will be able to overcome any such obstacles. You may find that because of your ethnicity and background you will have advantages and special insights that will help you advance your career.
Interpersonal interactions is what's important.
The conference, which is one of several events hosted by the Asian Health Association to celebrate Asian Health Month, offered the students a chance to voice their thoughts and fears to the various panel members. Although the panelists acknowledged that there are few Asian American deans and department leaders at HMS and other medical schools, they suggested that this will change as the next generation of Asian American physicians moves up the career ladder. The first generation of Asian American physicians, they said, may have been hindered by a lack of proficiency in English and of a full understanding of cultural nuances. These factors, rather than systematic racism, may be the primary culprit hindering their advancement to administrative positions, the panelists said. For Abbas, the advancement of Asian Americans to positions of leadership at medical schools will be part of a natural procession, a procession that has been followed by many of the other ethnic groups that preceded Asian Americans in immigrating to the United States.