Medical college acceptances for marginalized racial and ethnic groups are in sudden, steep decline. The first nationwide class admitted to medical schools after the US Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in 2023 saw double-digit percentage drops in enrollment of Black, Latino/a, and American Indian/Alaska Native students. Intensifying attacks on diversity and inclusion throughout American life threaten to accelerate this decline. Meanwhile, physician workforce shortages loom, especially in medically underserved areas. And research shows that diversity among health professionals improves patient access, trust, and outcomes. Join the Urban Institute and Georgetown Law for a discussion of declining diversity in medicine, the worrisome health implications, and legal strategies for increasing physician diversity.

Speakers 

• David Acosta, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, American Association of Medical Colleges
• Demicha Rankin, Associate Dean for Admissions, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
• Brian Smedley, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute
• Ruqaiijah Yearby, Kara J. Trott Professor in Health Law, Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University
• Gregg Bloche, Carmack Waterhouse Professor of Health Law, Policy, and Ethics, Georgetown Law (moderator)
   

The Urban Institute–Georgetown Law Series on Health Justice features conversations among researchers, scholars, policy-makers, and legal and medical professionals about disparities in medical care and health in the United States. This series is a product of the Urban Institute–Georgetown Law joint research initiative aimed at advancing equity in health and medical care. 

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event. 

Support for this event is provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/organizational-principles.