Medical schools across the United States are facing challenges in diversifying their classes following a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in admissions. Despite the ruling, which still allows for legal strategies to promote diversity, admissions officers are being advised by lawyers to go beyond what the court has stated. This overzealous response has led to a double-digit decline in the enrollment of Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous students, raising concerns about potential discrimination in the admissions process.
Mark Henderson, the associate dean for admissions at the UC Davis School of Medicine, has been working with other admissions officers to navigate the new legal landscape. He has observed a reduction in initiatives, support, and recruitment efforts for underrepresented students at many medical schools. The impact of these changes is significant, with some schools even canceling events aimed at supporting diverse student populations, despite no legal requirement to do so.
Miracle Rogers, president-elect of the Student National Medical Association and a student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, highlighted the concerns of medical students nationwide. A survey conducted by her organization found that a quarter of students reported cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at their schools, with many fearing further reductions in the future. These changes are causing anxiety among students who rely on these programs to pursue their medical education.
Mary Owen, an associate dean at the University of Minnesota, expressed concerns about the impact of the Supreme Court decision on Indigenous students, whose enrollment has declined by 22% this year. She emphasized the importance of maintaining pipeline programs that support underprivileged students in their journey to medical school. The decrease in enrollment numbers for Black and Hispanic students is also alarming, with Henderson describing the figures as “staggering.”
The challenges faced by medical schools in promoting diversity have raised questions about the interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling. While the decision restricts the use of race in admissions, legal experts argue that there are still avenues to consider an individual’s racial background in the context of diversity goals. Art Coleman, a lawyer specializing in education policy, emphasized the importance of finding ways to promote diversity within the confines of the law.
Despite the obstacles, there is optimism about the future of diversity in medical school admissions. Many schools, particularly in states with affirmative action bans, have implemented holistic admissions processes that have successfully maintained diverse student populations. Leaders in medical education are working on developing strategies to navigate the current legal landscape and ensure that underrepresented students have equal opportunities to pursue a career in medicine. Medical school admissions have been a topic of controversy in recent years, especially after a Supreme Court decision limited the use of race in admissions. Many schools, including Meharry Medical College, have had to adjust their admissions processes to avoid legal challenges. Meharry’s president, Hildreth, emphasized that admissions at his school would focus on applicants’ abilities to overcome life difficulties and how they align with the school’s mission of advancing health equity and empowering diverse populations.
Renée Landers, a health and biomedical law expert, highlighted that the use of race in medical school admissions could be legally justified, especially considering the benefits of a diverse healthcare workforce. She pointed to a brief filed with the Supreme Court by the AAMC that showed the positive impact of diversity on health outcomes for all Americans.
However, the recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which limited access to abortion, has had a chilling effect on applications to medical schools and residencies in certain states. This, combined with a looming physician shortage in rural areas, raises concerns about healthcare access for underserved populations.
Don Warne, a physician specializing in Indigenous health, emphasized the importance of training more Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous physicians to address healthcare disparities. He questioned the solutions proposed by those opposed to diversity, noting the critical role of underrepresented physicians in caring for medically underserved populations.
In response to arguments that declining enrollment of Black and brown physicians reflects a meritocracy in medicine, many medical leaders pushed back, highlighting the systemic barriers that hinder diversity in medical school admissions. Hildreth shared his own experience of facing discrimination when applying to medical school, underscoring the importance of efforts to identify and support qualified students from diverse backgrounds.
Despite challenges posed by the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, some underrepresented groups have seen increased applications to medical school. Gabriel Cuilan, a first-year medical student, shared his journey from the Bronx to the University of Michigan, driven by a desire to serve his community as a Spanish-speaking physician. Cuilan’s story illustrates the importance of diversity in healthcare and the need for inclusive admissions practices in medical schools. Cuilan, a prospective medical student, found himself in a challenging situation when he applied to various schools during the rolling admissions cycle. Despite scoring in the 90th percentile on his MCATs, he was concerned that his application might receive less consideration due to its late submission and the impact of a recent Supreme Court decision. Feeling like he was facing a “double whammy,” Cuilan anxiously awaited responses from different medical schools.
The application process was filled with ups and downs for Cuilan, with waitlists and rejections adding to the uncertainty. However, he ultimately received acceptance letters from several highly selective medical schools, including the University of Michigan. To his delight, the University of Michigan offered him a full scholarship and living expenses, easing some of his worries. Nonetheless, Cuilan couldn’t help but wonder about the potential impact of the Supreme Court decision on his application outcomes. He believed that the decision may have influenced admissions decisions at some institutions.
Despite these concerns, Cuilan is grateful to have secured a spot at a top medical school that will provide him with excellent preparation for a career in orthopedic surgery. He is particularly aware of the lack of diversity in this field and the importance of representation for patients from diverse backgrounds. Cuilan emphasized the need for more diversity in medicine, especially in specialties like orthopedic surgery, where patients may benefit from having doctors who share their cultural background and experiences.
Cuilan’s journey highlights the challenges faced by aspiring medical students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. While the admissions process can be stressful and uncertain, Cuilan’s perseverance and dedication have led him to a promising future in medicine. With the support of scholarships and opportunities at a top medical school, Cuilan is on track to make a meaningful impact in the field of orthopedic surgery and contribute to greater diversity and representation in healthcare.
STAT’s coverage of health inequities is made possible by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund, showcasing the importance of addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Financial supporters play a crucial role in supporting independent journalism that sheds light on critical issues in the healthcare system.
