Fostering Inclusion and Well-being: Rush University System for Health's Approach to Retaining Future Physicians

The American Medical Association's (AMA) Health System Member Program has recognized Rush University System for Health for its exceptional approach to fostering inclusion, mentorship, and well-being among its students. Rush Medical College's mission is to nurture empathic, proficient physicians dedicated to continuous learning, innovation, and excellence in clinical practice, education, research, and service. Through a supportive and dynamic learning community, Rush Medical College has created an environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel seen, supported, and valued.

Key Takeaways:

• Rush Medical College cultivates an inclusive environment and culture, with new students experiencing this atmosphere from the onset of their enrollment.
• The institution's physician-led culture, dedication to community engagement, and comprehensive mentorship programs support the recruitment and retention of future physicians from the earliest stages of their education, through residency, and into their subsequent careers.
• The AMA Health System Member Program provides enterprise solutions to equip leadership, physicians, and care teams with resources to help drive the future of medicine.
• Rush Medical College's Center for Wellness offers mental health services and well-being programming to address stress, anxiety, and depression, which disproportionately affect students from historically excluded racial and ethnic groups.
• The college's Office of Medical Student Affairs provides career opportunities, resume and CV support, interview preparation, and connections to research and leadership opportunities.
• The Rush Community Service Initiatives Program (RCSIP) is a voluntary program that provides opportunities for students, faculty, residents, fellows, and staff to use their skills and talents to help the community, enhancing teamwork, patient relationships, and care for diverse populations.
• Over 90% of Rush students participate in RCSIP, and 66% of current students cite RCSIP as a primary reason for choosing Rush in the first place.

Statistics:

• More than 90% of Rush students participate in the Rush Community Service Initiatives Program (RCSIP).
• 66% of current students cite RCSIP as a primary reason for choosing Rush in the first place.
• The AMA Health System Member Program provides enterprise solutions to equip leadership, physicians, and care teams with resources to help drive the future of medicine.

Sources:

• Rush University System for Health, "Rush Medical College Nurtures Future Physicians" (2025)
• American Medical Association (AMA), "AMA Health System Member Program" (no date)
• Quote from Cynthia Boyd, MD, Associate Dean of Admissions and Recruitment at Rush Medical College
• Quote from Cynthia Boyd, MD, Associate Dean of Admissions and Recruitment at Rush Medical College (continued)