Medically Underserved Area?

[blkgrnblkylw]

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There's an option on AACOMAS that lists a bunch of things to check which designate being "educationally/environmentally disadvantaged". One states: Live in an area that is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area or a Medically Underserved Area.

Does anyone know how to confirm if your area falls under this category? And if it does, is it worth checking off? Would it have any impact on one's application?

 

[MedNation907]

http://muafind.hrsa.gov

You can click around to learn more about it, but these areas are actually designated by a governing body. I feel like you would know if you lived in an underserved area, but nonetheless hopefully that link helps you out.

 

[keels99]

To answer your question, yes, I think it can impact your application depending on the school you apply to. I made it clear during my interview that I wanted to work in a rural, underserved area which was a huge focus of the school I was interviewing at.

 

[blkgrnblkylw]

To answer your question, yes, I think it can impact your application depending on the school you apply to. I made it clear during my interview that I wanted to work in a rural, underserved area which was a huge focus of the school I was interviewing at.

Good point. I'll definitely be sure to emphasize that I come from a rural and possibly underserved area and that I hope to practice in those types of areas, wherever applicable on my secondary essays or in interview. I decided not to check the box on the primary because it would imply that I'm disadvantaged and I don't consider myself to be.