Experiences of Asian Indian American Students in US Undergraduate Medical Education
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Authors
Hellum, Megan
Issue Date
2025
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Asian Indian American , Critical Race Theory , DesiCrit , Diversity , Intersectionality , Medical Education
Alternative Title
Abstract
Asian Indian American (AIA) students are largely absent from the performance data and literature on medical student experiences in the United States. Masked by the variety of cultures aggregated under the broader Asian American label, institutions fail to recognize how experiences within the US medical education system may differ for AIA students. This study aimed to expand on knowledge of the diverse experiences within US medical education by centering the narratives of AIA students. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, it examined the experiences of third- and fourth-year AIA students attending publicly-funded medical schools in the United States. Data were collected through a semi-structured, web-based interview for each of the 13 AIA participants. Findings illustrated five core themes, which are (1) academic challenges and performance pressure, (2) mental health and coping strategies, (3) marginalization and conditional belonging in medical education, (4) the important role of family during medical school and the challenges in navigating family expectations and, (5) gendered cultural expectations, specifically with respect to medical specialty choice. Implications for medical school administrators, faculty, and support staff are discussed.