Representation of Black Physicians in the US Physician Workforce

Black people in the United States have historically experienced poorer health outcomes relative to other racial and ethnic demographic groups. Navigating through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Blacks continue to be disproportionately negatively affected by incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Although Blacks currently comprise 13.4% of the US population, the physician workforce does not compare proportionally in the representation of Black physicians. In this chapter, we will review historical and current trends in Black representation in the US physician workforce, including matriculation into undergraduate and graduate medical education, academic faculty rank and promotion, grant funding, and leadership in societal organizations. In addition, we will explore barriers to increasing Black representation with possible interventions and solutions to overcome the identified barriers. It is our intent to inform the reader of the insistent need to adequately include Blacks in the physician workforce as well as promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.