Steep Drop in Minority Medical School Enrollments Following Ban on Race as a Consideration
January 31, 2025
With the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision to prohibit consideration of race in admissions to all colleges and universities, medical schools are reporting a significant decline of Black and Hispanic student enrollments.
Data compiled by the Association of American Medical Colleges shows how the first class since the ruling has been selected compared to last year:
These stats bear out the predictions that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision would lead to less diverse medical school classes and, ultimately, a less diverse medical workforce. ISMS offers several on-demand courses on the benefits of a medically diverse workforce, which can be accessed at no cost to members:
If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.
With the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision to prohibit consideration of race in admissions to all colleges and universities, medical schools are reporting a significant decline of Black and Hispanic student enrollments.
Data compiled by the Association of American Medical Colleges shows how the first class since the ruling has been selected compared to last year:
- Black enrollees plunged by 11.6%
- Hispanic enrollees dropped by 10.8%
- Indigenous students (American Indian or Alaska Natives) decreased by 22.1%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders students fell by 4.3%
These stats bear out the predictions that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision would lead to less diverse medical school classes and, ultimately, a less diverse medical workforce. ISMS offers several on-demand courses on the benefits of a medically diverse workforce, which can be accessed at no cost to members:
- Pathways to Careers in Medicine: Expanding Opportunities and Strengthening the Physician Workforce
- The Importance of Racial Concordance and Cultural Humility in Medicine
- This cultural competency on-demand training course meets Illinois’ state mandated CME requirement: Cultural Humility and Responsiveness in the Care of Patients
If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.