Medical schools across the United States are working to enroll more Black, Hispanic, and Native American students to address the underrepresentation of these groups in medicine. However, these efforts are facing challenges from Republican lawmakers in several states who are restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education.
The University of Mississippi School of Medicine, for example, holds an annual African American Visit Day to recruit more Black students in a state where nearly 40% of the population is Black, but only 10% of doctors are. Research has shown that patients of color often prefer doctors of their own race, and some studies indicate better health outcomes for Black patients when treated by Black doctors.
Despite the potential benefits, states like Alabama, Florida, and Texas have enacted laws limiting DEI efforts in higher education. Mississippi lawmakers have unsuccessfully attempted to pass similar legislation. Critics argue that focusing on race contributes to division, while supporters emphasize the importance of a diverse medical workforce that reflects the patient population.
Dr. Demondes Haynes, associate dean of medical school admissions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, notes that while not every Black patient needs a Black doctor, patients should have the option to choose. Some medical students credit DEI outreach efforts for their decision to enroll, highlighting the impact of such programs.
As the debate continues, medical schools and health experts warn that restricting DEI initiatives could exacerbate existing health disparities experienced by people of color in the United States.
See “Treating the shortage of Black doctors” (August 6, 2024)
