Pre-med students attending a class at Xavier University of Louisiana. Credit…Brian Finke for The New York Times
May 10, 2024 Story by: Editor
In the United States, only 5.7% of physicians identify as Black or African American. Research indicates that Black patients are more likely to trust and visit doctors who share their racial background, highlighting the necessity for more Black doctors. Recently, Xavier University of Louisiana announced the creation of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, marking it as the fifth Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school.
The other HBCU medical schools include Howard University’s College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Additionally, Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, is planning to establish a medical school.
Reynold Verret, president of Xavier, commented on this significant development: “With the establishment of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, Ochsner and Xavier aim to address long-standing health disparities and foster stronger, healthier communities in pursuit of the mission to promote a more just and humane society….”
The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine is set to open after securing accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, a process that typically takes three years. The school plans to admit its first class of 50 students upon accreditation.
Yolanda Lawson, president of the National Medical Association (NMA), the largest and oldest organization representing Black physicians in the U.S., remarked, “An additional HBCU medical school is a powerful step forward in addressing the ongoing shortage of Black physicians in the U.S.” She further highlighted that this new institution aims to counteract the negative impacts of the Flexner Report of 1910, which led to the closure of several HBCU medical schools. Only Howard University’s College of Medicine and Meharry Medical College survived the report’s recommendations. Source: Forbes
 |
| Table of defunct Black medical Schools in the U.S.PHOTO CREDIT: JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION |
Nearly 70% of Black physicians are HBCU alumni, underscoring the significant role these institutions play in both undergraduate and medical education. Many Black doctors from HBCUs go into family practice, a field crucial for African American communities.
Lawson pointed out that Black Americans are disproportionately affected by numerous diseases and illnesses, many of which are preventable. The lack of healthcare access contributes to higher rates of cancer, other diseases, and premature deaths among Black Americans. “Having more Black physicians leads to better health outcomes,” she stated.
Lawson remains hopeful for increased efforts and funding to establish more HBCU-based medical schools. However, she expresses concern that attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion might exacerbate the shortage of Black physicians, as many Black students depend on inclusive scholarships and programs throughout their education.
HBCU medical schools play an essential role in creating pathways for Black doctors, providing them with crucial peer and faculty support and encouragement.
