By Sharon Emdin
Black Americans comprise about 14% of the U.S. population. But only about 5% of doctors in the country are Black, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
A more inclusive medical field benefits both aspiring Black doctors and the communities they serve. Addressing the Black physician gap requires intentional efforts in mentorship, financial support, and academic encouragement, said Linda Powell, a doctor and former chair of the biology department at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), where she is a professor.
“Many Black students arrive at college underprepared in the sciences, and it is crucial to have a strong math and science foundation during the K to 12 years to better prepare for higher education,” she said.
Powell has been instrumental in supporting underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics during her three-decade career. Her dedication to education and mentorship has been recognized through several awards, including the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Powell said that besides academic preparedness, another barrier to increasing the representation of Black men in medicine is the lack of role models for them who can serve as both mentors and visible examples of success in the field.
“You need Black male teachers and Black male doctors who are showing excellence in those courses that they need to master,” Powell said.
Without Black male doctors, young Black men are left questioning whether a career in medicine is truly attainable.
Then there’s the financial reality.
“Cost is, honestly, one of the main things I’m worried about,“ said Daniel Emdin, an aspiring medical school student currently studying at CCP. “How in the world will my family be able to afford me going to medical school? It’s scary thinking about it.”
Powell called the cost of medical education “astronomical” and said “many students struggle to find ways to fund their education without taking on an overwhelming debt.” Without the proper financial resources or support, many students are left to navigate a path that feels inaccessible, further limiting diversity in the medical field.
“Growing up, I had friends that wanted to be doctors,” Emdin said, “but as they grew, they didn’t believe they had it in them to actually go to medical school. It started to feel like an unachievable dream.”
Grit, the ability to have the perseverance to keep working towards a goal, is also essential for completing medical school.
“Success in medicine, and in life, requires perseverance and determination, especially when faced with adversity,” Powell said. “Grit is often the differentiating factor between those who make it through medical school and those who don’t. It’s not about being the smartest person in the room, but about the ability to push through when things get tough.”
She called medicine “a journey, not a sprint.”
“For Black students, it’s about more than just academic preparation; it’s about finding the support, resources, and resilience to navigate a path that’s often more challenging,” Powell said. “But with determination, the right guidance, and unwavering grit, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.”