It took no time at all for establishment medicine to react to the Supreme Court ruling that race-based admissions were unconstitutional.
“Today’s decision demonstrates a lack of understanding of the critical benefits of racial and ethnic diversity in educational settings and a failure to recognize the urgent need to address health inequities in our country,” said a statement Association of American Medical Colleges.
“We need more health workers, especially those who look like and share the experiences of the people they serve,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Are Black patients more trusting of Black doctors? Do Black doctors spend more time and deliver better care to Black patients than white doctors?
Even if all that were true, there is no requirement that a Black medical school graduate set up shop in Harlem. A ritzy practice on Park Avenue might be a lot more lucrative.
If we’re concerned about health equity, we could forgive medical student debt (or create other inducements) for new doctors to practice in underserved areas – regardless of their race or ethnicity.