Doctors in Demand
by Sheryl Nance-Nash
The demand for health care services is on the rise and there may not be enough physicians to meet the demand. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has already called for a 30 percent increase in physicians by 2015.
“It is important that minority students are prioritized with that call as well, in order to help deliver the culturally-competent care that is needed to help solve the nation’s health care disparities,” says Charles Terrell, Ed.D., chief diversity officer for the AAMC.
African Americans were only about 7 percent of first-year enrollees in medical schools in 2008, according to the AAMC. There was a decrease of 4 percent this year in the number of African Americans who applied for medical school. African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans make up 25 percent of the U.S. population, but only 12 percent of medical school graduates are members of these groups. According to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, in 2006, there were 46 U.S. medical schools that graduated at least 10 black doctors. There were 65 black graduates at the Howard University School of Medicine in 2006 – the most black graduates of any U.S. school of medicine. Meharry Medical College was second with 51 black graduates. Morehouse College of Medicine ranked sixth with 25 black medical graduates. Among the 10 highest ranked medical schools John Hopkins University, the University of California at San Francisco, Washington University, Stanford University and the University of Washington, all had fewer than 10 black graduates. In recent years, there has only been a slight increase in the number of blacks pursuing medicine.
What’s the impact?
The diversity gap can result in minority patients being less likely to seek and receive the care they need. There’s not just a minority doctor shortage, but a doctor shortage, period. Between 1980 and 2004, the nation’s population grew by 70 million and as baby boomers age, the number of Americans over 65 will grow by another 71 million by 2030. Despite that fact, over the past two decades, the numbers of students entering medical school did not increase significantly, says Terrell.
For many, the medical school mystique and the hoops required to get there were too many and too high to jump. “Sometimes it’s simply a lack of information or available role models, mentors to show students that becoming a doctor is an attainable goal, and or welcoming environments,” says Terrell of the barriers.
Then there’s money. Medical students on average incur a debt of $155,000 by the time they graduate and this can be daunting for anyone, especially for someone who comes from an economically disadvantaged background, adds Terrell.
But with that said, there is a history of minority diversity support programs sponsored by foundations, medical schools, colleges, universities and the federal government. The AAMC just launched an online video contest to give college students a chance to turn their dreams of a career in medicine into a reality with assistance with the costs of preparing for and applying to medical schools. The AspiringDocs.org Video contest asks college students to submit a short video explaining why they want to become a doctor. Ten winners will receive $1,000 toward their medical school application costs. For more information, go to www.AspiringDocs.org.
Go For It
There’s no need to be intimidated about medical school. Do your research. Educate yourself about medical school and the process into medical school. Talk to your pre-health advisor and/or faculty mentor about what medical school is like and how to prepare. If there’s a medical school in your area, see if you can talk to a medical student about their experience.
You can get a sense of what it’s like to be a doctor through hands-on experience acquired through internships, volunteer work, and summer enrichment programs. You’ll get the inside scoop and get a chance to meet practicing doctors and other medical professionals.
AspiringDocs.org is a great first place to learn more about the preparation, application and interview process for medical school.. The AAMC recently launched FIRST for Medical Education, which offers a full range or financial information, resources, and tools for applicants, medical school students and more. (www.aamc.org/programs/first/).
“There are a lot of opportunities available within the medical profession for people of all backgrounds,” says Terrell. “It’s important not to be discouraged by misinformation or a sense that becoming a doctor is unattainable due to academic or financial obstacles,” he adds.
Finally, know that what’s most required is perseverance, good study skills, time management, dedication and a medical school that’s a good fit for you – one that recognizes the contribution you can make to their institution and the field of medicine.
Says Terrell, “When it comes down to it, the most important thing is to believe in yourself.”
For more information:
www.AspiringDocs.org
www.aamc.org/programs/first/