National Center for Medical Education Development & Research

NCMEDR was funded by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) specifically to inform medical education curriculum to better prepare students to address the needs of LGBTQ patients, persons experiencing homelessness, and migrant farm workers. These vulnerable populations represent a significant segment of the overall population yet their unique needs are rarely addressed, resulting in poor health outcomes and population-level disparities.

We lead the national conversation by undertaking systems level research, engaging with our Community of Practice, and disseminating research findings as to how medical schools can better prepare students to meet the health care challenges of these vulnerable populations. The NCMEDR will assist other medical schools develop new curriculum to examine health disparities, health services, health equity, and primary care training from a systems framework and a life course model for vulnerable populations.

Information on our website addresses the needs of health professions educators, residency directors, community physicians, and community organizations and leaders interested in improving health outcomes for these populations.