The Drop in Black and Latino Medical Students Post-Affirmative Action Ban Poses Life or Death Risks – Here’s How 

The Supreme Court’s ruling to eliminate race as a factor in college admissions has triggered a troubling shift in medical school enrollment. Nationally, enrollment of Black and Latino medical students dropped more than 10 percent for the 2024-25 academic year, with Illinois seeing an even more drastic decrease.  

Latino student enrollment fell by 42.6 percent, while Black student enrollment dropped by 6.5 percent. At the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the state’s largest medical school, the number of Black students dropped from 162 to 145, and Latino enrollment also saw a slight decline, according to the Chicago Sun Times. Meanwhile, the number of white students increased by 13.2 percent. 

The Lack of Diversity in Health Professionals May Impact Underserved Communities

This trend has far-reaching consequences, particularly for underserved communities. A lack of diversity in medicine means less access to culturally competent care, which is essential for improving health outcomes, especially in communities that have long experienced disparities in healthcare. Research has shown that when minority patients are treated by doctors who share their background or cultural understanding, the care they receive is more empathetic, timely, and effective. A 2019 study highlighted that Black patients who are treated by Black doctors have a higher likelihood of receiving timely diagnoses and better overall care. This is a stark contrast to the difficulties minority patients face when their healthcare providers cannot relate to their cultural and language needs. 

The connection between diversity in medicine and equitable healthcare is clear. According to the CDC, a significant percentage of Black and Latino patients experience disparities in the care they receive compared to white patients. These disparities lead to worsened health outcomes and avoidable complications, especially for patients in underserved areas. When the diversity of the medical workforce shrinks, it becomes increasingly difficult for these communities to receive the quality care they need. 

Will the Enrollment of Black and Latino Medical Students Continue to Decrease? 

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, medical schools are now grappling with how to maintain diversity without race as a factor in admissions. While schools like the University of Illinois College of Medicine have seen a decrease in the enrollment of Black and Latino students, they continue to strive to recruit diverse student bodies through other means. The medical school’s commitment to improving health for all through education, research, and clinical care remains strong, but these efforts alone may not be enough to counteract the growing challenges. 

Diversity advocates warn that this trend, if it continues, will exacerbate the nation’s physician shortage. A diverse medical workforce is not only essential for better patient outcomes, but it is also critical in addressing the needs of an increasingly diverse population. Medical schools must adapt to ensure that diversity is still a priority. Outreach programs, mentorship opportunities, and increased recruitment of underrepresented students are key to ensuring that medicine reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. 

Without continued efforts to diversify the field of medicine, the disparities in healthcare will only deepen, particularly in underserved communities that rely heavily on culturally competent providers. The implications of this trend are significant, not just for medical schools but for the future of healthcare across the country.