“A Role Model Is Someone Who…” A Multi-institutional Study of Clinical Role Models According to Ethnic Minority and Majority Medical Students

URiM and non-URiM students generally presented a very similar perception of clinical role models. However, URiM students identified less ethnically representative role models compared to non-URiM students, and the symbolic outcomes of role modeling appeared to be sensitive to this ethnic similarity. This discrepancy may limit the full benefits of role modeling for all students who do not have representative role models. To promote equitable learning experiences in medical education, it is recommended that future research on clinical role models continues to address the social context.