The attack on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs plays a pivotal role in hindering the advancement of diverse students. As of late, the threats against DEI have directed attention toward the health care industry. Coupled with the earlier elimination of affirmative action, removing DEI in higher education not only adds to the long list of systemic and structural barriers, it will continue to widen the diversity gap among U.S. physicians. Only 5.7% of U.S. doctors identify as Black American. Recognizing the importance of diversity in medical schools is necessary for addressing health care disparities and improving patient outcomes.
There are many significant benefits to keeping DEI-related programs in medical schools. Research indicates that a diverse student body leads to better cultural competence among physicians and can help them better meet the needs of patients of color. Additionally, having more Black physicians is proven to improve health outcomes for patients of color. According to the JAMA network, there is better life expectancy among patients in areas with Black primary care physicians.
Although Black students make up 5% of residents, they account for 20% of firings. Economic disadvantages, racial bias, discrimination and lack of support and awareness from superiors are all contributing roadblocks toward expanding the Black-physician pipeline. To address these issues, the National Medical Association (NMA) provides scholarships to students of color aspiring to be physicians or enter the practice of medicine. Additionally, the National Medical Association (NMA) has partnered with the Association of American Medical Colleges on the Action Collaborative for Black Men in Medicine, an initiative formed to assist Black men interested in the medical field. The number of Black men who apply to medical schools remains stagnant, and we, along with the AAMC and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), deem this issue a national crisis. Our collaborative effort with the AAMC provides a series of solutions to systemic barriers including scholarships, educational programs and mentoring opportunities for aspiring Black male physicians.
The NMA advocates for DEI programs in medical institutions, and we advise our members to spread awareness of the benefits of preserving these initiatives. Efforts to eliminate inclusive policies and opportunities in medical education obstruct the progress toward a more diverse and equitable health care workforce. It is imperative that medical school admission offices actively work towards creating diverse environments and prioritize the success of students from all backgrounds.
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About the National Medical Association:
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and
health professionals in the U.S. and promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients
of African descent. We serve as the voice of Black physicians and a leading voice for parity in
medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health. To learn more about
the NMA, please visit https://www.nmanet.org/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sherelyn Weber
682-597-8733
