MANHATTAN, N.Y. - AussieJournal -- Fisk University, one of the top historically black universities (HBCUs) in the United States, is partnering with American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) to provide a new pathway for students of color to fulfill their dreams of practicing medicine.

Students from Fisk University—the oldest institute of higher learning in Tennessee and the #9 HBCU in the US, according to U.S. News and World Report—are eligible for advanced admissions priority, an expedited application review, and grants/scholarships for those that attend AUA for their medical education. Students will need to meet minimum academic thresholds during their Fisk education for eligibility.

AUA's Acting Executive Dean of Preclinical Sciences, John Yergan, MD, MPH, was joined by Fisk University officials at AUA's Antigua campus for the official July signing event.

"The creation of this partnership helps to build and create a pipeline for African-American medical professionals," said Vann R. Newkirk, Sr., PhD, Interim President, Fisk University. "It is my belief that this will improve access to healthcare for people of color, not only in the US but around the world." Graduates of Fisk who choose AUA will be eligible for a Preferred Partner Grant, in addition to any scholarships earned at AUA.

More on Aussie Journal

• Future Intelligence Think Tank Surpasses 1,000 Members Exploring Human and Artificial Intelligence
• Gary Bernstein Expands Media Leadership Role With Senior Strategic Advisor Appointment To Blacksun Private Equity
• Headline: House of Nova Paints Every Face in Gold at New York Fashion Week
• Can Government Operate Better Through Innovation?
• Michael H. Kaplan Advocates for Seriously Injured Colorado Workers Who Need In-Home Care

"I'm excited that this agreement will encourage Fisk premedical students to consider applying to our medical school," said Dr. Yergan. "Students from Fisk will be offered special consideration and incentives as part of our strong commitment to providing access to medical education for students from underrepresented minority backgrounds."

Though U.S. medical schools have been working for years to diversify their medical school cohorts, the percentage of African-Americans in United States medical schools continues to hover around six to seven percent. In comparison, 22 percent of the students in AUA's most recent graduating class were African-American.

About American University of Antigua College of Medicine
American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA) is a fully accredited international medical school dedicated to providing an academic experience of the highest quality, with an emphasis on increasing minority representation and racial diversity in MD programs and the global physician workforce. Via a holistic admissions approach, AUA selects students with the potential for medical school success and provides them with the resources they need to obtain highly competitive residencies and move on to successful careers in medicine. AUA awards the MD degree after four academic years.

More on Aussie Journal

• The Viral Christian Advent Calendar That Skips Santa for Scripture
• Childhood nickname inspires whimsical Australian children's book The Wonky Woo
• Infinity Infusion Solutions Named Finalist for D Magazine's D CEO 2026 Excellence in Healthcare Awards
• Canadian Tint Expo 2027: Why Every Window Tinter Should Compete in Niagara Falls on April 3rd & 4th
• Building a Diversified Healthcare Platform as Exosome Science, Telehealth, Diagnostics & Strategic Acquisitions Converge: NexTel Medical (OTCID: MAJI)

AUA is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federal student loan programs, which allows its qualified students to receive Title IV student loans. AUA is also approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), licensed by the Florida Department of Education and recognized by the Medical Board of California. AUA is also accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), which the United States Department of Education has found to have standards of accreditation comparable to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

Graduates of AUA have been licensed to practice throughout the United States, including Tennessee. AUA graduates are also eligible for licensure in Canada, India and the United Kingdom.

Visit https://www.auamed.org to learn more.