The Hispanic population of America faces a growing threat due to underrepresentation in the medical field.
In Houston, where Hispanic and Latino Americans make up a nearly half the of the population, the shortage of Hispanic doctors is especially pronounced. With only 6% of U.S. doctors identifying as Hispanic, many patients struggle to access culturally competent care, exacerbating existing health issues prevalent throughout the community.
In Harris County, for instance, 75.7% of Hispanic residents are overweight or obese, and up to 50% of Hispanic children are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes during their lifetime. As alarming as these figures may be, of even greater concern is the fact that the situation in Houston is not an anomaly. Rather, it is a microcosm of a larger national crisis.
By 2034, The U.S. faces a projected shortage of up to 124,000 physicians, as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Compounding this issue is the scarcity of nurses and other essential healthcare workers, which will ultimately leave millions of Americans struggling to access timely care.
In Harris County, for instance, 75.7% of Hispanic residents are overweight or obese, and up to 50% of Hispanic children are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes during their lifetime.
“As the fastest growing population in the United States, we will need Latinos to be able to fill doctor roles and healthcare professional roles, just naturally with the way that our demographics are changing in the United States.”
Christopher F. Kulesza, Ph.D., Scholar in Child Health Policy, Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
For the nearly 7.5 million Texans who primarily speak Spanish, culturally competent care is critical, yet often inaccessible. The shortage of Spanish-speaking doctors that most directly affects them is tied to the systemic barriers Hispanic students face while pursuing medical education, which include lower rates of bachelor’s degree attainment, lack of mentorship, low-income backgrounds, and the fear of accumulating debt.
While programs offering scholarships and mentorship play a vital role in encouraging more Hispanic students to enter the medical profession, more needs to be done to close the healthcare gap.
Addressing the intersection of education and healthcare is one approach that has the potential to transform communities by tackling shortcomings in both sectors.
This is a crisis that requires systemic change, and building a robust and diverse workforce will ultimately serve all populations. By expanding access to medical education and healthcare services, we can plant seeds for long-term improvements in our healthcare system, ensuring a stronger and healthier future for everyone.