Social Determinants of Learning: A Framework to Promote Diversity Along the Health Professions Education Continuum

Health professions education (HPE) in the US is facing a critical disparity between the diversity of students enrolled in health professions programs and the diversity of US society. This disparity has downstream impacts on the healthcare workforce and patient care. The problem is created partly by social determinants of learning (SDOL), which are nonacademic, contextual conditions that impact students' ability to optimally participate in their education. SDOL can be facilitators or barriers and often have disproportionate effects on individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and identities. This article explores these nonacademic factors, the lack of student diversity in HPE, the resulting societal impacts, and offers practical recommendations for individuals and institutions.