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Medical Stats Page

Bronx Health Horizons: Medical Statistics that Matter

Welcome to our medical statistics page. These numbers tell a powerful story about the need for healthcare professionals, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Let these facts inspire you to make a difference in your community and beyond!

Healthcare Workforce Diversity

Only 5.7% of active physicians identify as Hispanic or Latino, despite this group making up 18.9% of the U.S. population. (Source: AAMC, 2019)
Black or African American individuals make up 13.4% of the U.S. population but only 5% of active physicians. (Source: AAMC, 2019)
Only 3.6% of medical school faculty members are Black or African American. (Source: AAMC, 2020)
The percentage of Black male applicants to medical school has decreased from 2.5% in 1978 to 2.2% in 2019. (Source: AAMC, 2019)
Increasing the diversity of the physician workforce could lead to improved access to care for underserved populations and better patient outcomes. (Source: Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 2017)

Health Disparities in the Bronx and for Black Americans

The Bronx consistently ranks last out of 62 counties in New York State for health outcomes. (Source: County Health Rankings, 2021)
The rate of premature death in the Bronx is 45% higher than the New York State average. (Source: New York State Department of Health, 2019)
Diabetes prevalence in the Bronx (16%) is significantly higher than the New York City average (11%). (Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2018)
Black Americans have a life expectancy that is 4.5 years shorter than non-Hispanic whites. (Source: CDC, 2020)
Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women. (Source: CDC, 2019)
The prevalence of hypertension in Black adults (54%) is much higher than in white adults (46%), Hispanic adults (36%), or Asian adults (39%). (Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015-2016)

The Growing Need for Healthcare Professionals

The U.S. is projected to face a shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 physicians by 2033. (Source: AAMC, 2020)
Employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for healthcare workers, with demand for travel nurses increasing by 44% in 2020. (Source: American Nurses Association, 2021)

Impact of Diverse Healthcare Providers

Patients who share racial or cultural backgrounds with their doctors rate their care higher. (Source: Stanford University School of Medicine, 2018)
Black male doctors were found to be more effective at convincing Black men to undertake preventive care measures. (Source: National Bureau of Economic Research, 2018)
Latinx physicians are more likely to work in Latinx communities, helping to address healthcare disparities. (Source: Academic Medicine, 2018)
Black patients treated by Black doctors had a 19% reduction in the Black-white male cardiovascular mortality gap. (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2020)
Increased racial/ethnic diversity among physicians could lead to a potential economic benefit of $22.9 billion annually through reduced health costs and lost productivity. (Source: The Economic Burden of Health Inequalities in the United States, 2021)

These statistics highlight the urgent need for dedicated, diverse healthcare professionals. As a student from the Bronx, you have a unique perspective and the potential to make a significant impact. Your journey in medicine can help address these disparities and improve health outcomes in your community and beyond