We Can Do Better: Fewer Black Men Applying & Attending Medical School

Applications hit 2.5 percent low in 2011

The number of African American males applying to medical school is on the decline. According to the most recent Assn. of American Medical Colleges report on medical education diversity, 2.5 percent of applicants were black men in 2011, a drop from 2.6 percent in 2002. Comparatively, Asian and Hispanic male applicants saw increases during the same period, of 9 percent and 11 percent, respectively. Furthermore, in 2011, only 6 percent of those accepted were black, and just 4 percent are practicing doctors. The AAMC report said the “persistent” problem speaks to a need for medical schools “to institute plans and initiatives aimed at strengthening the pipeline.” In recent years, many have begun stepping up minority recruitment efforts by urging more black male youth to take interest in medicine and hiring more faculty members “from racially and ethnically underrepresented groups.” (American Medical News)

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