Black Men In Medicine

Racial and ethnic diversity and representation is absolutely imperative to the advancement of healthcare for all individuals in society. It has been proven through numerous studies that diversity in the field of healthcare translates to better access, improved patient-provider interactions, and elimination of healthcare service barriers to underserved communities. Unfortunately, there has been an alarming decline in already low numbers of African Americans, and specifically, black men, entering the medical field. In fact, studies have shown that more black men were going into medical school in the late 70s than in 2014. While there may be many possible explanations such as young black opting to join the workforce young in fields such as engineering and technology, the underlying issue is much deeper and is systemic and begins long before the journey of higher education. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort led by doctors here at Ohio State such as Dr. Quinn Capers and Dr. Darrell Gray, to raise awareness and advocate for the issue, and, to start mentorship programs in order to promote more young black men to enter the medical field.

 

Race and Medicine – Dr. Damon Tweedy: https://youtu.be/BuZD9bghlpA

 

NBC News: The dearth of black men in medicine is worrisome. Here’s why.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/why-dearth-black-men-medicine-worrisome-n885851

 

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparites: An American Crisis: The Lack of Black Men in Medicine

Laurencin, C. , Murray, M. (2017). An American Crisis: The Lack of Black Men in   Medicine. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5909952/

 

WKSU 89.7: Ohio State Doctors Working to Bring More Black Males Into Medicine

https://www.wksu.org/post/ohio-state-doctors-working-bring-more-black-males-medicine#stream/0

 

WTOP News: How to Bring More Black Men Into Medicine with expert Dr. Quinn Capers

How to Bring More Black Men Into Medicine