The Lack of Black Physician Associates and its Impact on Concordant Patient Outcomes

Authors

Conicka M. Toney, M.S., PA-C, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

General physician associate studies

Advisor

Dr. Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, NCMP

Abstract

The United States (US) is a melting pot of nationalities and ethnicities with a healthcare system that does not currently reflect that. With the current combination of people in the US, one might expect there would be an equal medical representation of all nationalities to build trustworthy, racial concordant patient-provider relationships and give patients more options in choosing their healthcare provider. The face of America is constantly evolving with its growth in minorities that call the US home. It has been hypothesized that racial concordance between patients and their healthcare providers will yield more effective relationships and improve healthcare outcomes. With the severe lack of diversity among physician associate (PA) students in programs around the country and among clinical PAs, the absolute necessity of having greater diversity among healthcare providers and equipping them with a deeper understanding of the risks of the lack of diversity, particularly the lack of Black PAs available to care for Black communities is critical. Overall, there is a desperate need to diversify the medical workforce and more emphasis is needed to improve patient-centered care among minority populations and clinicians.

Recommended Citation

Toney, M.S., PA-C CM. The Lack of Black Physician Associates and its Impact on Concordant Patient Outcomes. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(1).