The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates the U.S. will face a physician shortage of as many as 124,000 doctors by 2034. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts the nation’s population will continue to grow and age during that same period. The population is estimated to increase by more than 10% by 2032, and the population over the age of 65 will grow by 48%. BIPOC communities who already face a lack of access to health care will be further impacted by this predicted shortage. Thus, it is imperative that NMF play a leading role in rapidly expanding the pathway of secondary and college students who seek health care as a career path. We must support them in their journey — to and through — medical school or graduate school. 

According to the Education Advisory Board, 40% of Black students and 37% of Latino students switch out of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors before earning a degree. The National Science Board’s July 2021 Science & Engineering Indicators report on Elementary and Secondary STEM Education found notable differences in STEM achievement scores across socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Asian and white student scores were up to 53 points higher than the scores of students in the other groups, which the report identified as Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Computer and information literacy scores followed similar patterns. The report noted that “schools with high minority or high poverty” had STEM teachers with less experience.

NMF’s multipronged strategy is built on a prototype co-designed partnership model that will expand over time. We are engaging with schools of medicine and graduate education, community colleges, state and local school districts and governments, corporations, nonprofits, and both “grasstops” and grassroots community groups to advance this work.  

• We will establish prototype programs utilizing social design methodologies with state and local school districts, policy decision-makers, colleges and universities, schools of medicine, corporations, nonprofits, and communities to build the pathway of BIPOC students pursuing careers in medicine and behavioral health.  
   
• We will inform BIPOC children and young adults about the exciting possibilities of becoming a health care provider and meeting the needs of their communities.