AAMC reports increase in diversity for 2022

Editor's Note

Medical schools saw more diversity among their students in 2022, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), reports January 12 HealthLeaders Media. Comparing the 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 academic years, the number of Black, Hispanic, and female students increased.

AAMC released the breakdown of this data:

• The number of Black or African American matriculants increased by 9%. Black or African American students made up 10% of matriculants in 2022-23, up from 9.5% in 2020-21. First-year Black or African American men increased by 5%.
• Matriculants who are Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish origin increased by 4%, making up 12% of total matriculants.
• Women made up 57% of applicants in the 2022-2023 year, 56% of matriculants, and 54% of total enrollment.

The Urban Institute published a report which showcased the lack of diversity in healthcare and how that might be harmful to the quality of patient care. According to the report, only 22.2% of Black adults reported being of the same race as their healthcare providers compared to 73.8% of White adults. Only 23.1% of Hispanic/Latinx adults reported similarities with their usual physician.

"We know that more diversity in the physician workforce builds trust and enhances the physician-patient relationship, translating into better health outcomes. The AAMC and our member medical schools are committed to increasing the number of both applicants and matriculants from historically underrepresented groups," notes AAMC CEO and president, adding that diversity among students and in the healthcare workforce is a top priority.