Medical schools across the United States are facing challenges in recruiting Black students due to growing anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, exacerbating existing racial disparities in healthcare. Since the Supreme Court overturned affirmative action in higher education, over two dozen states have passed laws restricting DEI programs, potentially worsening health outcomes for people of color.
The University of Mississippi School of Medicine, where only 82 out of 660 medical students are Black, exemplifies this issue. GOP legislators in Mississippi attempted to introduce bills limiting DEI spending at colleges and universities, though these did not pass. At the federal level, Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced the EDUCATE Act to block funding for medical schools that prioritize DEI.
Health experts emphasize the importance of increasing Black representation in medicine. Anton Gunn, a healthcare consultant, warns that anti-DEI legislation is likely to continue, especially if Donald Trump wins the presidency in 2024. Research shows that Black patients often prefer doctors who look like them and experience better health outcomes with Black physicians.
Despite these challenges, some medical schools are working to recruit more Black students. The University of Mississippi School of Medicine hosts an annual African American Visit Day to foster interest among potential Black applicants. Dr. Loretta Jackson-Williams, vice dean for medical education, stresses the importance of these efforts in shaping future possibilities for aspiring Black doctors.
The shortage of Black doctors is particularly acute in Mississippi, where over one million Black residents are served by fewer than 600 Black doctors. This underrepresentation contributes to the state’s poor health outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for increased diversity in medical education and practice.
See “ANTI-DEI EFFORTS ARE PUTTING A DAMPER ON BLACK STUDENT RECRUITMENT AT MEDICAL SCHOOLS ” (July 5, 2024)
