Physician
Diversity L
ast year was replete with racial unrest in cities throughout the country. Organizations large and small released statements denouncing racism or recognizing racism as a public health threat. Many organizations held virtual discussions about ways to reduce racist policies and practices and increase diversity in their communities. Physicians were among those voices calling for action. Before acting, we need to consider diversity of the physician workforce. Here, I examine why it matters, how diverse the physician workforce is today, what it should be, and what to do about creating the future we want.
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WHY DOES A DIVERSE PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE MATTER? It matters because greater diversity of physicians can lead to more and better care delivered to our local population, especially the underserved and minority populations. According to the Institute of Medicine, researchers found sufficient evidence “to support continued efforts to increase the number of physicians from underrepresented minority groups.” Here are some examples.
