Growing up as a first-generation immigrant from Cuba, I witnessed the sacrifices my parents made to provide a better future for my siblings and me. Despite their lack of education and English language skills, my parents prioritized our education. Becoming the first in my family to graduate from college and medical school, I paved the way for my brothers to pursue higher education as well. Education has the power to transform lives, but many students from underrepresented backgrounds face barriers in accessing higher education, particularly in the medical field due to socio-economic status and racial stereotypes.
The lack of diversity in medical education contributes to disparities in health care, with underrepresented minorities being underrepresented in the physician workforce. Hispanics make up 19 percent of the population but only 6.9 percent of physicians, while Black and African American individuals account for 13.6 percent of the population but only 5.7 percent of physicians. This exacerbates the current physician shortage in the United States. Increasing diversity in medicine is critical to improving health outcomes for millions of Americans by enhancing access to quality healthcare services and fostering patient trust through shared cultural backgrounds between patients and providers.
Xavier University of Louisiana, a leading producer of Black medical and pharmacy students, has partnered with Ochsner Health to establish the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM). As the founding dean of XOCOM, I am committed to creating opportunities for diverse medical students and shaping the future of healthcare. Strategic partnerships with HBCUs and minority-serving institutions are crucial in creating pathways for physicians who understand cultural nuances and have empathy for patients from marginalized backgrounds. Establishing collaborations and securing funding from organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies will expand opportunities for underrepresented students to access medical education.
The XOCOM will provide educational opportunities for 50 students in its first class and continue to grow as the medical college develops. By fostering collaborations with institutions like Xavier, we can ensure that future healthcare providers reflect the diversity of our country’s population. The physicians trained through XOCOM and other HBCU medical schools will play a vital role in shaping a more just and humane healthcare system in the future. These future leaders will serve our communities, promote health equity, and drive progress in the healthcare industry for generations to come. I am honored to serve as the founding dean of XOCOM and contribute to the future of healthcare through education and diversity.
