Advocating for Change: 73% of Health Care Workers See Health Care Disparities in BIPOC Patients

 

According to findings by National Medical Fellowships (NMF), nearly three out of four health care workers surveyed in exploratory research say they have witnessed health care disparities in the medical treatment of patients of color.

 

The non-profit, a renowned institution committed to supporting underrepresented students in medicine and health care professions, conducted a survey among its alumni and scholars to gain insight into the impact and experiences of physicians of color in health care settings. NMF surveyed 66 alumni of its scholarship programs, along with 65 current scholars, to better understand their experiences related to their medical education, training, practice, and employment, with a special focus on their mental health and wellbeing.

 

 

Additional results from the physicians of color in health care settings survey include:

 

• Nearly 73% of participants acknowledged witnessing health care disparities in the care of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) patients, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action in health care settings.

 

• 87% of participants support the importance of diversity in the health care workforce.

 

• 75% of respondents strongly agreed on the urgent need to increase the presence of physicians of color to enhance outcomes for underserved communities.

 

• Two-thirds (66.67%) of respondents agreed there has been progress in health care toward achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), yet there is still more work to do.

 

• 71% agreed to witnessing their role as a BIPOC physician positively impacting health care outcomes, especially in underserved communities.

 

“The firsthand observation of these health care disparities is truly disheartening, and it serves as a strong motivation to advocate for much-needed change within the health care system,“ said Michellene Davis, Esq., President and CEO of NMF. “While we have long understood there exists unequal access to health care and the varying levels of medical treatment available to different communities, having it evidenced so starkly in our research has only heightened our resolve.”

 

 

National Medical Fellowships, Inc. is the only private national organization devoted to providing scholarships and support for students underrepresented in medicine and the health professions. Founding in 1946 as one of the first diversity organizations in the U.S., NMF has since provided over $45 million to more than 32,000 students and aspiring BIPOC health professionals.

 

 

For more information on the survey results and NMF’s efforts, please visit www.nmfonline.org.