CBC Healthbraintrust

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Diversity in Medicine

Research supports evidence that minority patients are more likely to adhere to health care recommendations that are provided by individuals who looks like them.

While minorities represent almost a third of the overall U.S. population, less than 6 percent of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans make up our national physician and dental corps according to a 2011 study by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Because underserved diverse populations typically suffer higher rates of health disparities – particularly chronic and preventable diseases – there is tremendous benefit to promoting diversity in the medical field.

The Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust seeks to bridge the health equity gap in the next generation by promoting initiatives that reach students early (at the pre-college and college level) and helping them engage in face-to-face sessions with health professionals who come from similar backgrounds.  This professional guidance and promotion of diversity in medicine will be critical in the march toward health equity.