Black Doctors Highlight Systemic Challenges in the Medical Industry
Black medical professionals are in high demand to address the projected shortage of physicians in the United States. However, these doctors are facing significant hurdles in entering and staying in the industry. The broken system perpetuates increasing debt, unfair compensation, lack of investment in Black medical students, and mistreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Samuel Cook, a resident physician at the Morehouse School of Medicine, emphasizes the need for the medical community to recognize and address these challenges.
The projected shortage of physicians in the US is a cause for concern. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates that there will be a shortfall of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034 due to the aging population. Recent data from Definitive Healthcare shows that approximately 230,000 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, left the industry in Q4 2021. The mental, physical, and emotional toll of the pandemic has contributed to this exodus, as healthcare workers strive to protect their well-being and avoid the risks associated with an unprecedented medical crisis.
Surveys indicate that around 47% of healthcare workers may leave their jobs by 2025, posing a threat to the readiness of the US healthcare system for another pandemic. Senator Bernie Sanders acknowledges this concern and aims to address it through legislative efforts to increase the number of doctors, nurses, and dentists. However, the shortage of Black doctors is particularly alarming, as they currently represent only 5.7% of physicians in the country.
The lack of diversity among doctors can be partly attributed to historical factors. The Flexner Report of 1910, commissioned by the American Medical Association and the Carnegie Foundation, led to the closure of more than half of American medical schools at the time, including five out of the seven historically Black medical schools. This shortage is especially visible in rural and underserved communities, where access to quality healthcare is limited. Historically Black Medical Colleges (HBCUs) play a crucial role in addressing this disparity. Although they make up less than 3% of MD-degree granting institutions, they have produced over half of all Black graduates in the medical field.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the healthcare disparities in minority communities, including limited access to medical treatment and higher rates of premature death due to underlying conditions. HBCU medical schools are well-suited to tackle this issue, given their commitment to training healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to serving underserved areas.
Solutions to these challenges include attracting diverse candidates into the medical profession through early pipeline programs and increasing the number of Medicare-financed residency slots. Canceling student loan debt, as proposed by Senator Sanders, would also help alleviate financial burdens on medical professionals and enable them to work in communities that need care the most. Congress’s “Pathway to Practice” and National Medical Corps Act scholarship programs would prioritize applications from HBCUs, Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI), and underserved communities. Additionally, the AAMC advocates for increased federal investment into MSIs to tackle student debt and expand medical schools.
Addressing burnout is another crucial aspect to ensure the well-being of healthcare professionals. Recent legislation aimed at improving mental and behavioral health is a step in the right direction.
