ALEXANDRA, Va.,
June 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly three out of four health
care workers surveyed in exploratory research say they have
witnessed disparities in the care of patients of color, according
to findings by National Medical Fellowships (NMF), a renowned
institution committed to supporting underrepresented students in
medicine and health care professions. The non-profit conducted a
survey deploying convenience and purposive sampling among its
alumni and scholars to gain insight into the impact and experiences
of physicians of color in health care settings.
The survey revealed nearly 73% of participants acknowledged
witnessing disparities in the care of Black, Indigenous, People of
Color (BIPOC) patients, highlighting the need for increased
awareness and action in health care settings. Less than half of
respondents – 44% – agreed most of their colleagues perceive and
understand disparities in health care. The survey also revealed 21%
of respondents have left a job due to racial discrimination or
bias.
"The firsthand observation of these disparities is truly
disheartening, and it serves as a strong motivation for NMF and its
community of alumni and scholars 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
care and the varying levels of treatment available to different
communities, having it evidenced so starkly in our research has
only heightened our resolve."
The survey found 87% of participants supported NMF's efforts to
dismantle structural and systemic racism, emphasizing the
importance of diversity in the health care workforce. Additionally,
75% of respondents strongly agreed on the urgent need to increase
the presence of physicians of color to enhance outcomes for
underserved communities, showcasing the critical role NMF plays in
diversifying health care.
In fact, 86% of respondents acknowledged that NMF has played a
crucial role in easing the financial burdens associated with
medical education, with more than half (51%) of respondents saying
they utilized NMF scholarships not only for tuition but also for
living expenses, highlighting the vital need for support beyond
educational fees.
NMF surveyed 66 alumni of its scholarship programs, along with
65 current scholars, to better understand how their experiences
related to their medical education, training, practice, and
employment, with a special focus on their mental health and
wellbeing.
The survey represents a diverse cross-section of NMF's national
community. Two-thirds of respondents (67.67%) identified as female;
one-third, male (32.33%). The survey included racially and
ethnically diverse participants from various age groups, with
significant representation in the Gen Z and Millennial generations,
and the majority of respondents were Black/African American or
Hispanic/Latin.
The survey indicated two-thirds (66.67%) of respondents agreed
there has been progress in health care toward achieving diversity,
equity and inclusion (DEI), with 71% saying their role as a BIPOC
physician positively impacts health care outcomes.
The NMF alumni and scholar survey underscores the critical
importance of DEI in the health care sector, providing valuable
insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by physicians
of color.
For more information on the survey results and NMF's efforts,
please visit www.nmfonline.org.
For interview requests, please contact Skai Blue Media at
TeamNMF@skaibluemedia.com.
About National Medical Fellowships
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 health professionals.
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SOURCE National Medical Fellowships