Feb 27, 2025 Story by: Editor
The number of Black first-year medical students in Minnesota programs declined by 3 percentage points last year, marking the lowest enrollment level since 2019.
Why it matters: Studies suggest that having doctors who reflect the racial backgrounds of their patients can lead to better health outcomes and foster greater trust, encouraging patients to openly discuss health concerns.
Black patients treated by Black doctors may face less medical racism, whether in emergency care or when addressing pain-related issues.
However, only 5% of doctors in the U.S. are Black, compared to 14% of the overall population.
Flashback: Many medical schools, including those in Minnesota, saw a rise in Black student enrollment following the murder of George Floyd.
Starting in 2020, the percentage of Black first-year students in Minnesota’s medical programs increased for three consecutive years, peaking at 10.9%.
By the numbers: According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), 30 Black first-year students enrolled in Minnesota’s two medical schools for the 2024-25 academic year, making up about 7.8% of the class.
This marks a decline from the previous year’s 10.9% (45 students) and falls below the national average of 8.9%.
Threat level: The drop is “much larger than we would expect,” even considering the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action in higher education, Norma Poll-Hunter, senior director of AAMC’s human capital portfolio, told Axios.
Zoom in: Enrollment at the University of Minnesota Medical School, which operates three campuses across the state, reflects this downward trend.
Nineteen Black students began classes last fall, accounting for 7.9% of the 240-member cohort, down from 24 students (10%) the previous year.
What they’re saying: In a statement to Axios, the University of Minnesota Medical School noted that it has “several pipeline and pathway programs that provide a variety of specialized supports designed to develop a physician workforce prepared to meet the needs of all Minnesotans.”
One initiative specifically aims to encourage undergraduates from rural or economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue medical school.
Minnesota’s other medical school, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, did not respond to a request for comment.
What we’re watching: The U.S. Department of Education recently cautioned academic institutions that federal funding could be at risk for those with policies tied to race or diversity.
The warning specifically mentioned race-based considerations in admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Source: Axios
