Statistics from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation reveal that African American medical school graduates numbered 1,061 in the 2015-2016 school year. That figure represents just a tenth of white medical school graduates, who numbered 10,992 the same year. In fact, just five percent of US doctors are black, though African-Americans account for 12 percent of the total US population.
These figures are particularly troubling considering that studies repeatedly have shown that underrepresented minorities are more likely to follow medical recommendations when their doctor looks like them.
Fortunately, many medical schools are proactively working to improve diversity among applicants, students and graduates. While some, like Washington, DC’s Howard University and Atlanta’s Morehouse School of Medicine already are predominantly black medical colleges, others are proving standout choices for African American students. US News & World Report recently surveyed schools nationwide to identify the top 10, listed here with the number of African American students compared to the number of total students at each school:
- School of Medicine at Indiana University-Perdue University-Indianapolis: 119 of 1,404 students
- College of Medicine at the University of Illinois, Chicago: 109 of 1,317 students
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia, Carolinas and Auburn: 97 of 1,546 students
- Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California-Los Angeles: 95 of 748 students
- College of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina: 87 of 735 students
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University: 77 of 924 students
- College of Medicine at Drexel University: 73 of 1,067 students
- College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University: 68 of 670 students
- College of Medicine at Ohio State University: 67 of 756 students
- School of Medicine at New York Medical College: 67 of 823 students
No matter where you study medicine, St. Augustine’s WOLFPACC can help assure you’ll prove a standout student when it comes time to take your USMLE or COMLEX exams. With our eight-week program featuring live lectures, custom study plans and one-on-one tutoring, we guarantee you’ll pass these critical exams on your first try. To find out more about how we can help boost your chances for success in your medial studies and career, call 904-209-3140 and speak with a WOLFPACC admissions specialist. Space is limited, so contact us today.
Also read: A Need for Diversity in Medicine Means Opportunity for Minority Medical Students
