Black Enterprise Magazine’s Post

A recent study led by Dr. Jasmine Weiss found that HBCU students face significant challenges in gaining admission to medical school compared to their peers at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Through interviews with 26 premedical advisors at HBCUs, the study highlighted key issues such as the need for better relationships between HBCUs and medical schools, preferential treatment for PWI students, and the importance of community support for aspiring Black medical students. With only 5.7% of U.S. physicians identifying as Black, the study emphasizes that strengthening ties with HBCUs is crucial for increasing diversity in the medical workforce. https://lnkd.in/gahZEmxz

I couldn't let the day go by without highlighting this amazing day! This month is National Minority Health Month, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is coordinating a virtual day of action on April 30 to highlight the positive impact that diversifying the healthcare workforce can have on long-standing health inequities and how initiatives like the Action Collaborative for Black Men in Medicine and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VII and Title VIII workforce programs are vital to increasing workforce diversity for the benefit of all patients. The charge of the action collaborative is to: Identify replicable solutions to amplify and support Black men’s interest in a career in medicine and/or in the biomedical sciences. Use existing data and evidence to develop systems-based solutions to address exclusionary practices that create barriers for Black men and prevent them from having equitable opportunities to successfully enroll in medical school. Convene key partners to act on measurable solutions. You can become an action partner and stay updated on the work of the action collaborative via email at actioncollabforblackmen@aamc.org. 

“One study published last year in the medical journal JAMA Network Open found that life expectancy was longer among Black patients in counties with higher ratios of Black primary care physicians.” Imagine that? I always wonder, how are DEI programs a threat to equity when we have situations like this? How is DEI the problem where 40% of a population is Black, yet only 10% of medical doctors in that same area are Black? Prospective medical students in underrepresented demographics have to take the same MCAT, same prerequisites, and achieve at least the same minimum GPA range as everyone else to even get an interview. DEI just seeks to achieve representation that is actually representative of the population, choosing from those students who are *already* excellent by every metric. Now, if we could get to a point where there are no disparities along racial and SES lines all through K-12 and beyond for these students, then we wouldn’t need DEI the way we do. But until those hurdles are cleared, DEI is a necessary part of the equation.

…continued Addressing the Challenges To support Black men in nursing and address the challenges they face, several strategies can be implemented: 1. Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs that connect Black male nurses with experienced professionals can provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities. 2. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Increasing access to scholarships and financial aid specifically for minority nursing students can help alleviate the financial burden and encourage more Black men to pursue nursing. 3. Awareness and Outreach: Promoting nursing as a viable and rewarding career option in Black communities through outreach programs and awareness campaigns can inspire young Black men to consider the profession. 4. Inclusive Education: Nursing schools should strive to create inclusive and supportive environments that address the unique needs of minority students. This includes incorporating cultural competence training and fostering a diverse faculty. 5. Professional Development: Providing opportunities for professional development and leadership training can help Black male nurses advance in their careers and take on influential roles within the healthcare system. …to be continued.

I just read an insightful article on KFF Health News about the shortage of black doctors and efforts to address it. Currently, only 5.7% of physicians in the U.S. are black, despite black individuals making up 12.4% of the population. Medical schools are working to recruit more black students, recognizing that black patients often have better outcomes with physicians who share their background. Moreover, the opposition to DEI will only amplify health disparities, negatively impacting health outcomes. This motivates me even more to become a physician and work towards reducing these disparities and improving healthcare outcomes for all. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gkS6zRP9

📣Diversity in Healthcare Matters! When I heard the news of Bloomberg’s $600 million donation to HBCU medical schools, I was ecstatic. Over the years, I've witnessed a decline in the already limited representation of African American physicians. This trend deeply concerns me, as I've seen firsthand how it negatively impacts the quality of care, patient experiences, and outcomes for marginalized communities. When patients see physicians who look like them or share similar cultural backgrounds, it fosters trust, reduces anxiety, and can significantly improve adherence to treatment plans. This connection is vital for delivering effective healthcare. The push to eliminate diversity and inclusion initiatives in healthcare education must be reconsidered. These programs are crucial for ensuring that all patient populations receive the quality care they deserve. I sincerely appreciate this generous gift from Mr. Bloomberg. It is the kind of transformative investment we need to see more 🌟Key Points to Consider:🌟 ✅Representation Matters:Diversity among healthcare providers enhances patient trust and outcomes. ✅Cultural Competence:Diverse educational environments produce physicians better equipped to understand and meet the needs of all patient populations. ✅The Future of Healthcare: Supporting diversity initiatives in medical education is essential for creating a more equitable healthcare system. #DiversityInHealthcare #HealthcareEquity #MedicalEducation #HBCUmedicalschools #nursesoflinkedin

Historic Collaboration for Black Communities We're excited to amplify a monumental partnership between the The National Business League (NBL)®, National Medical Association (NMA)®, and National Bar Association (NBA)®, who have united with a non-partisan agenda to tackle critical issues impacting Black communities. On June 27, 2024, the presidents of these organizations met with the White House and Congressional Black Caucus to discuss protecting educational pathways, enhancing wealth opportunities, improving healthcare access, reducing health disparities, and strengthening legal advocacy for Black Americans. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering educational opportunities, supporting Black Business Enterprises, advocating for healthcare equity, and providing robust legal advocacy. Together, these organizations aim to create a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for Black communities across America. Ken L. Harris, Ph.D., president and CEO of the NBL, emphasized, "Enterprise ownership and development are the cornerstones of economic sustainability for Black American communities." Dr. Yolanda Lawson, president of the NMA, stated, "Healthcare is a fundamental human right," reinforcing their dedication to addressing health disparities. Dominique D. Calhoun, Esq., president of the NBA, highlighted their commitment to ensuring equal access to justice and educational opportunities. Join us in celebrating this historic partnership as we work tirelessly to protect and advance the rights and opportunities of Black communities. Together, we are stronger! 💪🏽 #BlackExcellence #CommunityEmpowerment #HealthcareEquity #EconomicSustainability #HealthEquity #EducationForAll https://lnkd.in/eJEiUX7y

#NCCUThoughtLeaders | Did you know Black men make up only 4.6% of college students, with the lowest retention rates? In "They Don't Really Care About Us?" NCCU's Dr. Tryan L. McMickens and fellow scholars explore the urgent need to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice to ensure their success. Learn how innovative approaches and intentional action can create meaningful change. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/gk-ndMaJ #HBCU #NCCU #StudentSuccess

In an increasingly diverse world, the importance of culturally relevant practices cannot be ignored, especially in industries that serve communities directly, such as healthcare, education, ETC. These practices go beyond cultural awareness or sensitivity—they represent a commitment to understanding, respecting, and integrating the cultural values, traditions, and needs of the populations being served. It can also mean saving lives. Personally, I have experienced doctors that did not understand my preferences in care or have assumed that I was predisposed to certain medical conditions because of genetics when that wasn’t the case at all. Therefore, we must promote ways to ensure that students with a passion to change those industries thrive. What Dr. Russell Ledet is doing to change the game is remarkable and what’s needed. Check it out - https://lnkd.in/eU94YGw2 #CulturallyRelevantPractice #choice #DEI #BlackDoctors #medschool

The All of Us Research Program now has over 1,000 institutions that have signed Data Use & Registration Agreements. This includes more than 120 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (#HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutes (#HSIs)! These agreements allow researchers to sign up to use the Researcher Workbench. See registered institutions here: https://lnkd.in/eiTJ47rQ Alt-text: More than 1,000 institutions have signed agreements to use All of Us data for health research! A person’s hand signing an agreement surrounded by graphics of exclamation points.