Underrepresentation of Black men in physician assistant and associate training

Underrepresentation of Black men in physician assistant and associate training
JAMA Network Open; Lucy W. Kibe, DrPH, MS, MHS, PA-C; Katrina M. Schrode, PhD; Samuel Paik, MPAS, PA-C; Dominique Frias-Sarmiento, MA; 10/24
In this cohort study of PA applicants and matriculants, Black men remained substantially underrepresented despite overall growth of PA training programs. The low representation among matriculants was due in part to the low numbers of applicants but also to substantially lower matriculation success. This persistent underrepresentation highlights systemic barriers and underscores the need for targeted interventions to achieve a more representative health care workforce. To achieve equitable admissions, each PA program should aim to evaluate Black male applicants and matriculate Black men annually.