At UBC we acknowledge the importance of having a community of physicians that reflects the social identities represented in the growing population of British Columbia. We know that one way to achieve this is through respectful, inclusive, and equitable educational experiences for Black students throughout their academic careers. Through the Black Student MD Admissions Pathway, we are committed to encouraging and supporting you throughout your journey to becoming a doctor and future health care leader.
We are a community that honours our learners’ diverse opinions and experiences. Feeling a sense of belonging is essential to thriving and we want to connect Black students with opportunities to join a healthcare community that encourages and supports their full growth and development into leaders in medicine, medical education, and more.
Applying Through the Black Student MD Pathway
We encourage individuals who self-identify as Black, or multiracial and identify with your Black ancestry, to apply to the MD program. To apply to the program through the Black Student MD Admissions Pathway, you will be required to:
- Indicate that you self-identify as Black or multiracial with Black ancestry on your MD admissions application by using the appropriate checkbox
- Write a personal essay
Personal Essay
As part of your application, you will be asked to write a personal essay outlining why you have chosen to apply through the Black Student MD Admissions Pathway. This essay will also be used to help determine your eligibility for the Entrance Award in Medicine for Black Students. The Entrance Award in Medicine for Black Students was introduced in tandem with the Black Student MD Admissions Pathway, with the primary objective of offering financial support to outstanding Black students who are embarking on their journey into medical school.
There are no particular criteria that you are required to address through your essay. Instead, as you write your essay, consider how your background, perspectives, accomplishments, and unique experiences have led you to apply through the Black Student MD Admissions Pathway. Consider including any additional relevant information that you would like the Black MD Admissions Subcommittee to be aware of as they review your essay and your application.
We recommend that the essay be between approximately 250-500 words.
Assessment and Evaluation
All applicants supported through the Black Student MD Admissions Pathway will be considered as in-province applicants.
Assessment and evaluation of your pre-interview application will be conducted by the Black Student MD Admissions Subcommittee, which includes Black physicians, faculty members, medical students, members of the Black community, members of the MD Admissions subcommittee, and faculty from across our distributed program. The subcommittee will make recommendations regarding applicants to be considered for an interview. Admissions interviews and post-interview reviews will also include Black physicians, faculty members, and/or medical students, as well as members of the Black community.
Connect with Us
Please reach out to us if you are a Black prospective student and have questions about applying to the UBC MD Undergraduate Program through the Black student pathway or general admission stream.
Donneil McNab
Black Student Initiatives Manager
BlackPathway.MD@ubc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
The Faculty of Medicine recognizes that there is an underrepresentation of Black physicians in British Columbia and is committed to helping remove barriers for Black students in applying to medical school at UBC. We also believe that by supporting diversity in medical training, we contribute to greater diversity and inclusivity in our health care system and beyond.
All applicants supported through the pathway will be considered for the B.C. positions in the program (~295+ positions). Additionally, members of the Black community will be involved in the assessment of applicants in this stream. Therefore, there may be less room for unconscious or conscious bias to play a role in selection.
No. All applicants must meet the same admissions requirements (GPA, MCAT, prerequisites, credit requirements) and they must still engage in intentional community involvement in paid or unpaid environments, like applicants through the general admissions stream. Qualified applicants will be invited to interview based on their file review scores. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee progression to an interview.
No, applying through this pathway is a personal choice, though you may find the process more supportive than applying through the general admissions stream.
No. We encourage you to apply through all MD admission pathway programs that are relevant to you. For example, if you have northern and rural experience or would like to pursue a career in northern or rural medicine, you can apply to the Northern and Rural MD Admissions Pathway in addition to the Black Student MD Admissions Pathway. For more information on other pathways please see the Eligibility page.