For Immediate Release:
May 22, 2025
Statement attributable to:
125th President, National Medical Association
The federal administration’s orders to cut diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is negatively impacting access to medical education for the next generation of Black physicians. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), an accrediting body for medical education programs leading to a Doctor of Medicine degree, and jointly sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association, voted to eliminate its diversity programs and partnerships. These changes will have detrimental effects for qualified students, further limiting their access to a career in medicine.
Currently, Black people make up 5.7% of doctors in the US. The federal administration’s anti DEI orders will only decrease that percentage. Studies have shown that Black patients experience better health outcomes and engage more effectively with healthcare when treated by Black physicians. This is attributed to reduced implicit bias, improved trust and more culturally-competent care. Eliminating DEI programs will continue to hurt the healthcare of our county and will drastically reduce positive patient outcomes.
Opposing DEI perpetuates inequalities and leads to discrimination and adverse consequences for marginalized groups. The National Medical Association (NMA) remains committed to advancing an equitable health care system and stands ready, willing and able to advocate for truth and fairness. Our physicians strongly oppose anti-DEI initiatives and call on policymakers to reverse this course of action.
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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
469-290-4495
sherelyn@bdaviscomm.com
