FINDING COMMON GROUND
FCMS also works closely with the Student National Medical Association( SNMA) at the University of Louisville, the nation’ s oldest and largest independent, student-run organization for underrepresented minority medical students. Over the years, we’ ve provided financial assistance for board preparation, exam fees, travel to national conferences and even living expenses for those facing financial hardships. Having SNMA representatives attend our meetings helps us remain in tune with the needs of students. Our FCMS members who serve as faculty at UofL strengthen our ability to advocate directly for our students that are in need.
For many African American medical trainees, the path to medicine can feel isolating. Unlike peers who may come from generations of physicians, most African American students are the first in their families to pursue this career. This is why FCMS members make themselves available for shadowing opportunities, mentorship and guidance. Supporting medical students and residents is vital to ensuring they not only enter, but also succeed in the profession.
We also recognize the mental and emotional toll of medical training. FCMS continually looks for ways to help students manage stress, providing safe spaces for community and wellness beyond the demands of school.
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education( AC- GME) reports that Black residents are dismissed from training programs at disproportionately high rates— nearly 20 % of all dismissals, despite representing only 5 % of residents. NMA has recognized this as an ongoing issue and is currently working to address it by providing residents with tools to equip them with resources to ensure that they successfully complete their training. Explanations for this phenomenon might include having to face a greater intolerance for mistakes, having to deal over and over with overt racism from patients or staff and having to deal with the pressure of being considered figureheads and trailblazers.
Another key initiative in place to increase the number of African American physicians is the“ Action Collaborative for Black Men in Medicine,” which is a joint effort between the AAMC and NMA to identify and address barriers that hinder African American men from entering the field. A lack of early exposure to medicine is one of the most significant obstacles. Many African American students simply do not see medicine as a career path because they have limited opportunities to engage with health care professionals. FCMS is dedicated to changing this narrative.
Although the shortage of African American physicians is a pressing challenge, FCMS is committed to being a part of the solution. Increasing the number of African American physicians is essential to achieving equitable access to high-quality health care. Representation and mentorship matter: children must be able to see African American physicians to imagine themselves in the role, and trainees must have mentors who can guide them through the complexities of medicine. While medical schools play a crucial role, it takes a strong, supportive community, like FCMS, to ensure the success of the next generation of African American physicians.
Dr. McGee is a family medicine physician at Norton Community Medical Associates – Middletown and President of the Falls City Medical Society.
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