A survey to assess experiences and social support of underrepresented minority doctor of pharmacy students.

Introduction: There is little data regarding the experiences of underrepresented minorities in pharmacy school. The objectives of this project were to describe the perceived racial and social climate at a diverse college of pharmacy (COP) and to determine areas of opportunity to improve the experiences of underrepresented minority students.

Methods: An electronic survey was administered to students from all four professional years at a COP in Houston, Texas. Students anonymously self-identified demographic information along with perceptions of racial climate using modified versions of previously validated survey instruments. The institution's social climate was assessed via several measures comprising composite survey scores.

Results: A total of 126 students completed the survey. Overall, Black students had more negative racial experiences and fewer positive social experiences as compared to their peers. Hispanic/Latino student perceptions of the racial and social climate at our institution were more positive than average. Student recommendations were also captured.

Conclusions: Not all students experienced the same level of inclusion in the college of pharmacy. The diversity and inclusion initiatives undertaken at this COP appear to have been effective in the Latino student population. There is a need for further investigation and qualitative research to determine the best strategies for inclusion of Black students in COPs with diverse populations.