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SHPEP’s founding partner and core funder, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), is shifting their strategic priorities, and will end their funding of our work at the conclusion of our 2026 summer cohort. The decision is not a reflection on our program’s performance, and RWJF remains committed to making health systems more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and RWJF proudly recognize the vast impact SHPEP has made over the past 37 years in supporting tens of thousands of future health professionals. The AAMC and ADEA are exploring the future of this program and how we may continue our mission in new ways. We will share updates in the coming year. To read more about these changes or to access the frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQs. The 2026 application cycle for the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) and the Minority Serving Institution Pathway Initiative (MSIPI) is now open. All materials — including one letter of recommendation and official transcript(s) — must be postmarked or time-stamped by the submission deadline. Please allow up to 10 business days for processing once materials are received. The submission deadline for this year's application is February 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Celebrating Black Girl Magic

Mar 2021

We would like to take this time to celebrate Black excellence in medicine. Five percent of the physician workforce identify themselves as Black, and slightly over half of this group are Black women. These statistics made SMDEP Columbia 2007 alumna, Asha Morrow, MD, take a moment at work to recognize the significance of the team she was working with early in the morning of October 23, 2020. In the featured image, she is joined by fellow pediatric emergency medicine physicians and pediatricians in training. After her shift, she posted the photo on Twitter with the following caption:

When you get the chance to slow down at work and realize your team is full of #Blackgirlmagic! #whatadoctorlookslike #Blackwomeninmedicine #diversityinmedicine

Less than a week later, she was astonished that her post went viral and was celebrated across the world—the picture has been featured on numerous local news outlets and even E! News. Dr. Morrow initially posted her image to inspire future generations of doctors because she realizes the importance of representation. She is thankful for the attention the picture received to amplify her message; she hopes this inspiration and numerous other accomplishments of Black women in medicine will ultimately change the physician workforce’s face.

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