Prospective Students

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) defines underrepresented in medicine (URM) as “racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population.”

Feinberg School of Medicine is unique in its broad definition of URM, which includes not only students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, but also other racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and sexual identities; people with disabilities, and socioeconomic diversity.

Northwestern Medicine (NM) is a massive healthcare institution in the heart of Chicago, the third largest city in the United States and home to nearly 3 million people. Whether you are working, shadowing, or doing research, you will be surrounded by countless other students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds anywhere you go on the NM campus. By and large, the entirety of the NM community is accepting, welcoming and open-minded, and with an expansive Outlist and Allylist, there will be no shortage of finding a like-minded, empathetic mentor who can offer shadowing experience, advise on research, and help guide your medical education. What’s more, there are a bunch of Northwestern-sanctioned events, talks, and gatherings catered to LGBTQ+ folks that are hosted by the Feinberg LGBTQ+ Alliance, the Northwestern Women’s Center, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, and more.

Moving beyond Northwestern, Chicago is renowned for being a receptive, accessible city for individuals of all backgrounds, and this holds especially true for LGBTQ+ folks. Neighborhoods like Boystown and Andersonville are home to countless LGBTQ+ bars, LGBTQ-affirming healthcare clinics, and so much more, and these neighborhoods are only a short ride away from the NM campus on Chicago’s ‘L’ train system. Additionally, there is a seemingly endless amount of annual, community events catered to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community like Chicago Pride, Andersonville Midsommarfest, Northhalsted Market Days, and many more.

Participate in the Reach OUT Campaign! Current applicants can contact the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Feinberg to connect with current Feinberg LGBTQ+ students to learn more about their experience and get your questions answered about the application process.

The Office of Admissions at Feinberg will host a Second Look program for accepted students every spring. This is an excellent opportunity to meet both current LGBTQ+ students and your future classmates! Second Look highlights diversity and inclusion programming and efforts at Feinberg. If you would like to learn more, please contact the Office of Diversity & Inclusion. In addition, come say hi to Feinberg LGBTQ+ Alliance members during the Second Look Activities Fair!