Abstract
Blacks represent about 12% of the nation's population, but only 6% of the total medical school enrollment, 5% of medical school graduates, 5% of postgraduate trainees, 3% of physicians in practice, and 2% of medical school faculties. Addressing this underrepresentation of blacks in medicine not only is a matter of justice, equity, and national conscience but also has implications for the provision of quality physician care to this nation's minority and medically underserved populations. Black physicians are more likely to understand the cultural and social context of illness and disability among blacks and are also more likely to be able to communicate effectively with black patients. Black physicians are also more likely to practice in communities whose residents lack adequate access to medical care. An approach to addressing the problem of underrepresentation is proposed, consisting of activities at the precollege, college, and medical school levels.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.