Increasing the Representation of Black Men in Medicine

By Andrea Brown
February 21, 2025 | VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1

“If you successfully reach the most underserved community, you unintentionally improve access for everyone.” This is the philosophy driving Kedar Johnson, PhD, MSHI, the Research Fellow of the Action Collaborative for Black Men in Medicine (Action Collaborative).

Kedar Johnson, PhD, MSHI

Dr. Johnson has dedicated his career to addressing a systemic issue: the striking underrepresentation of Black men in medicine. It’s a challenge steeped in historical inequities and systemic barriers, but, for Dr. Johnson, it’s a mission worth fighting for.

The Action Collaborative, cosponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the National Medical Association, was launched in August 2020 to address a sobering trend: the number of Black men entering medical school has declined steadily over decades. In fact, there are fewer Black male medical students today than in 1978, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for systemic change.

“Research indicates patients who are treated by physicians who share their racial or cultural background often experience better health outcomes. They’re more likely to follow medical advice and openly discuss their challenges,” Dr. Johnson said. “Ensuring that Black physicians are accessible to Black and Brown communities can profoundly impact health disparities, helping ensure that life expectancy isn’t determined by your zip code.”

Dr. Johnson’s perspective is informed by a wealth of experience. As a former admissions staff member at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, he gained insight into the myriad of challenges aspiring physicians face. His dissertation research further delved into the experiences of Black male physicians, making him uniquely equipped to help drive the Action Collaborative’s mission forward.

Identifying the barriers

One of the Action Collaborative’s primary goals is to illuminate the systemic barriers that discourage Black men from pursuing medicine. “The road to medicine has many exits but few on-ramps,” Dr. Johnson said. The issue starts early, often in elementary school, when young Black boys begin to form attitudes toward science and math. Without exposure to positive role models or pathways into medicine, their interest can wane before they even reach high school.

Dr. Johnson emphasized the importance of early exposure: “Many young Black boys don’t even know becoming a doctor is an option. And if they do, they have no idea where to begin. The earlier we can expose them to this possibility, the better.”

But the solution isn’t as simple as boosting education in early grades. Dr. Johnson stressed the need for broader awareness. “First, people need to understand the scope of the problem. Do they know the admissions numbers? Do they understand there’s a physician shortage? Before we can address the issues, we need to start the conversation.”

The role of mentorship and advising

A critical barrier identified by the Action Collaborative is the lack of consistent prehealth advising. Many aspiring physicians don’t have access to the guidance they need to navigate the complex path to medical school. “Through the Action Collaborative’s work, it was discovered that there’s no standardized training for prehealth advisors, and the resources available to these departments vary widely. This creates an uneven playing field,” Dr. Johnson said.

To address this gap, the Action Collaborative is launching a prehealth advisor training program, equipping advisors with the foundational knowledge necessary to guide premedical students effectively and equitably. The Action Collaborative has also published research on Black men in medicine and participated in congressional briefings to spotlight these challenges on a national stage.

Building connections and breaking silos

Through its work, the Action Collaborative discovered a significant issue: the fragmented nature of pathway initiatives in medicine. “A lot of organizations are doing great work, but it’s happening in silos,” Dr. Johnson said.

“The Action Collaborative is working to bring those efforts together, spreading knowledge and creating replicable models. Piece by piece, we’re ensuring that those committed to this work aren’t operating in isolation.”

The Action Collaborative has collaborated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to collate existing resources and implement systemic solutions at the state level in hopes of creating a blueprint that can be applied across the country.

A long road ahead

Despite the progress made, Dr. Johnson acknowledged that systemic change takes time. “I don’t think I’ll see the full fruits of our labor in my lifetime,” he admitted. “But we have to start somewhere. I feel privileged to lay the foundation for the future of Black physicians in this country.”

The Action Collaborative’s mission isn’t just about increasing numbers—it’s about identifying replicable solutions to amplify Black’s men’s interest in careers in medicine and biomedical sciences; using existing data and evidence to develop systems-based solutions to lessen or eliminate barriers on the journey to medical school and convening partners to act on measurable solutions. The Action Collaborative invites others to join them in shaping the future of the physician workforce and health care system. A first step in contributing to this effort is developing an understanding of the current challenges. The article, “Increasing the Representation of Black Men in Medicine by Addressing Systemic Factors,” offers an insightful overview of the issue and serves as a thoughtful starting point for further exploration.

By addressing systemic barriers, fostering mentorship, and building connections, Dr. Johnson and the Action Collaborative are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in medicine.