Sep 16, 2024 Story by: Editor
(WASHINGTON, DC, September 16, 2024) – Researchers from the George Washington University Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity and the Social Mission Alliance have analyzed the racial and ethnic diversity within Florida’s healthcare workforce and the graduates of health education programs. By reviewing over 20 health professions, they identified significant gaps in representation, especially among individuals who identify as Hispanic or Black.
Despite Florida being one of the most diverse states in the nation—where 55% of residents aged 20 to 35 identify as people of color—this diversity is not mirrored in many healthcare fields or among health profession graduates. The research revealed that Hispanic individuals were underrepresented in 19 of the 21 health professions examined. Although Hispanic representation among graduates of medical and nursing programs is on the rise, it still lags behind their proportion in Florida’s overall population. Alarmingly, the representation of Black graduates has decreased in 10 of the 16 professions studied, leaving them significantly underrepresented across most fields.
The lack of representation for Black and Hispanic individuals in healthcare professions is a well documented issue in the United States, as shown by the Health Workforce Diversity Tracker. Increased diversity among healthcare professionals correlates with improved health outcomes for communities and higher patient satisfaction. Furthermore, a diverse educational environment enhances cultural competence and broadens students’ perspectives.
The recently published report, The Race and Ethnicity of the Florida Health Workforce, offers a comprehensive analysis of the current healthcare workforce and student demographics in Florida, including detailed school level data that highlights areas of success and those needing improvement.
Key Takeaways:
- The percentage of Hispanic students in health professions is increasing but remains insufficient to match Florida’s college aged demographic.
- Hispanic individuals are underrepresented in all health professions that require higher education (Master’s level or higher).
- Black individuals continue to be underrepresented in most advanced healthcare professions, with their numbers declining in several areas.
- Asian/Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (NHPI) individuals are well represented and increasing in most health professions.
- Institutional data reveals significant disparities among schools within a given profession. For example, between 20192021, 21 out of 93 nursing programs had graduating classes with less than 10% Hispanic representation, despite Hispanics making up 30% of Florida’s college aged population.
This report underscores the urgent need to improve racial and ethnic diversity in healthcare professions, especially in light of recent legislation prohibiting DEI programs in Florida’s public colleges. Source: GW Milken Institute School of Public Health
