Modified version published on Doximity
As a Latina fourth-year medical student, my journey has been marked by a complex relationship with affirmative action. Growing up in a predominantly white and affluent city, I grappled with the desire to distance myself from my racial identity. Yet, my experiences have shaped my perspective, leading me to realize the importance of racial diversity in medicine. Affirmative action, though imperfect, is a vital tool that helps address historical disparities and allows for a more inclusive healthcare system.
When I applied to college, my father encouraged me to identify as Hispanic, hoping it would increase my chances of gaining admission to prestigious universities. However, despite my strong academic record, including a high GPA and rigorous coursework, along with my diverse background, I was denied acceptance to Ivy League schools. It was disheartening to witness classmates, who benefited from high family incomes and legacy status, secure coveted spots while I was overlooked even for an interview.
During my journey towards medical school, I faced several setbacks that tested my determination. After failing my first Organic Chemistry exam, I sought guidance from my pre-med advisors, hoping for support. Unfortunately, I was met with discouragement and told to consider alternative career paths. Undeterred, I persevered, achieved an A in the course, and continued pursuing my dreams. However, the challenges persisted as I faced financial constraints and time limitations while working while studying for the MCAT, ultimately leading to a lower score.
Amidst my struggles, I discovered a hidden chart from the AAMC that considered race as a factor in medical school admissions. Here is the AAMC Reports from the past 5 years on various demographics and acceptance rates.
Table of Applicants & Table of Matriculants to Medical Schooll in 2022 Cycle:
https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/data/2022-facts-applicants-and-matriculants-data
The revelation that my chances of acceptance skyrocketed based on this single factor raised questions about the fairness of the system. However, going through talking with my multiple application committee directors and interviewers I learned that they use these numbers to filter students through their computer systems. Since they can not possibly review sometimes 10,000+ applicants, each school chooses which variables and characteristics they are looking for to help them select which applications to read.
Unfortunately, I frequently encountered naysayers who dismissed my accomplishments, attributing my success solely to my race. My mind spun, questioning my own time and effort I had put in over the years.Did my race get me into a State College over a Prestigious University? Did my race get me my various volunteer leadership positions? It couldn't have been the reason I was accepted to my job as caregiver or medical assistant, or could it?
However, I understood that my low MCAT score and desire to attend the same school as my husband necessitated additional efforts. Together, my partner and I accumulated significant debt while applying to over 60 medical schools across the nation. Thankfully we were accepted into three schools together and choose the one that best fit our values and needs.
https://www.aamc.org/media/6026/download?attachment
Although I received multiple interviews and acceptances, it was clear that racial disparities persisted. Upon enrolling in medical school, I found myself in a small percentile of colored students within my class. Conversations with my classmates revealed that the majority hailed from Ivy League institutions, possessed family connections in the medical field, and did not face the burden of student loans. Despite our racial differences, these disparities remained unchanged.
Here is the AAMC's 2022 All School's Summary Report from all the 2nd year medical students regarding their experience in medical school to date.
The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the inequities in medical education. Students with racial and social disadvantages were disproportionately affected, experiencing mental health challenges, failing Step 1 exams, and often requiring additional time off. I, too, found myself grappling with imposter syndrome as I observed my previous cohort and partner advancing in their medical careers.
As I prepare my application to residency, I am compelled to reevaluate the significance of checking the race box on my application. Will it increase the likelihood of my personal statement being noticed among the thousands of other applications? While I acknowledge the advantages that diversity brings to the physician-patient relationship, I have encountered physicians who, despite identifying as racially diverse, lack empathy or fail to appreciate the value of diversity in healthcare.
Race is merely one facet of an individual's identity and should not solely define their experiences, resilience, or worth. Skin color merely indicates the amount of melanin in one's skin. However, in the United States, race has become a determinant of an individual's societal value. It shapes access to housing loans, educational opportunities, neighborhood resources, and subsequently impacts health outcomes.
In a society where racial disparities persist across social systems, race must be considered when selecting candidates for college and graduate education. As a patient and future doctor, I yearn to utilize my life-learned lessons to connect with my patients, understanding the barriers they face to reaching our appointments, such as transportation issues and lack of childcare.
This is precisely why affirmative action matters and is a benefit to society. We strive for everyone to receive care from physicians who can speak their language—both the spoken words and the unspoken ones.
In 2021 the AAMC physician Speciality Data Report found that 5.7% of doctors were Black/African American, 6.9% Hispanic, and 1.1% American Native. Here is a table of the individual specialties and the number and percentage of hispanic Physicians.
https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/workforce/data/active-physicians-hispanic-alone-or-any-race-2021
While progress has been made, according to the National Resident Matching Report, 2023’s match data comprised of 8.5% Black/African American, 11.2% Hispanic individuals, and 1.7% Native American, medical schools and residencies must continue considering race critically to ensure they truly capture the stories of their diverse applicants.
https://www.nrmp.org/match-data-analytics/interactive-tools/charting-outcomes-demographic-characteristics-of-applicants-in-the-main-residency-match/
In conclusion, embracing affirmative action is an essential step toward fostering a more diverse and compassionate healthcare system. While recognizing its imperfections, we must acknowledge that race has influenced social systems and continues to impact individual lives. By incorporating race as a factor in admissions, we open doors to underrepresented communities and create opportunities for individuals to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Ultimately, it is through diversity that we can truly transform healthcare and provide equitable care to all patients.