United States: The significance of Black Medical Schools and Black Physicians

Just 5.7 percent of doctors in the United States are Black or African American. Studies show that Black patients are more inclined to seek treatment and feel at ease sharing personal information with healthcare providers who share their racial background, highlighting the urgent need for greater diversity in the medical field.

Xavier University of Louisiana has recently announced the creation of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, becoming the fifth Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to establish a medical school. This move follows in the footsteps of institutions such as Howard University’s College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Additionally, Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, is in the process of developing its own medical school.

Xavier’s president, Reynold Verret, emphasized that the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine is dedicated to addressing ongoing health disparities and fostering stronger, healthier communities, in line with their commitment to promoting a more equitable society.

The medical school at Xavier is expected to open once it receives accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, a process that usually takes about three years.