Med schools face a new obstacle in the push to train more Black doctors

Medical schools in the U.S. are facing challenges in increasing the number of Black doctors, particularly after the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action and subsequent anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) legislation in several states. This is especially problematic in states like Mississippi, where nearly 40% of the population is Black, but only 10% of doctors are Black.

Jerrian Reedy, a first-year medical student at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, exemplifies these challenges. Inspired by personal tragedy, Reedy is among the small percentage of Black students in his program. Despite efforts by medical schools to recruit more Black, Hispanic, and Native American students, opposition to DEI initiatives threatens these efforts.

States like Florida and Texas have already banned DEI programs in higher education, with more states considering similar measures. Critics of DEI programs argue that medical school admissions should be based solely on qualifications, not race or socioeconomic status.

In Mississippi, historical and systemic racism has left a legacy of underrepresentation in medicine. Initiatives like the University of Mississippi School of Medicine’s annual African American Visit Day and other outreach programs aim to inspire minority students to pursue medical careers. However, the future of these efforts remains uncertain amid growing political opposition.

Source: NPR