Addressing Healthcare Disparities: Exploring the Barrier of Medical School Admissions in Texas

Abstract

Introduction

Despite efforts by medical school admissions committees to promote diversity and inclusion, underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) minorities remain inadequately represented in medicine. While holistic admission criteria have been introduced, URiM enrollment rates continue to lag behind the demand for diverse physicians. This study examines trends in URiM epresentation at Texas medical schools, focusing on Hispanic/Latino, African American/Black, and male/female demographics.

Method

Racial, ethnic, and gender demographic data were collected from the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Services (TMDSAS) from 2013 to 2023. Data analysis excluded 2024 due to unavailable matriculation data. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.

Results

Between 2013 and 2023, Texas MD and DO schools received 71,716 applicants, with 19,478 (27.2%) matriculants. Of these, 5.8% were African American/Black (n=1128) and 16.9% were Hispanic/Latino (n=3293). Gender did not significantly affect applicant or matriculation rates (p=0.113). While overall applicant and matriculation rates increased, URiM representation remained disproportionately low compared to non-URiM minorities (p=0.002).

Conclusions

Further research is needed to assess recruitment efforts for URiM at Texas medical schools. Initiatives like pipeline programs and free MCAT prep courses have not effectively bridged the gap between URiM and non-URiM matriculants. Texas medical school admissions processes require reevaluation to ensure increased URiM representation, addressing healthcare disparities in lower socioeconomic areas and specific minority groups.