Abstract
Purpose. There is a documented disparity in the number of Latino physicians in the U.S., especially in states with a large Latino population like California. In this study, the researcher explores the lived experiences of qualified, motivated Latino students enrolled at medical schools in California to better understand their perceptions of supports and barriers. By understanding these feelings, beliefs, and experiences, the researcher was able to gain insight into key elements that can aid in closing the physician-to-population gap. Theoretical Framework. Social replication habitus model provides the basic framework for creating healthcare workforce pipelines. Critical race theory and LatCrit principles provide an interpretive model examining race and racism across the dominant cultural modes of expression.
Methodology. The researcher used grounded theory methodology since this phenomenon has not been extensively studied. The researcher conducted 20 semi-structured interviews from January to March 2022 via Zoom with Latino students from 11 of the 16 California medical schools to examine their lived experience during a highly politicized climate fraught with racial tensions. The researcher then used thematic analysis framework to collect significant statements, meaning, themes, and contextual and structural descriptions.
Findings and Conclusion. This study identified multiple levels of confusion from Latino students and parents throughout the process, including the preparation for medical school, application process, and journey to graduation. At the same time, admissions processes create barriers for well-intentioned admissions officers and committees who manage the limited number Latino students produced by the existing pipelines. Ultimately, the researcher generated a “preparation for medical school participation - thematic analysis framework” that can help close the Latino physician-to-population gap in California.
Recommendations. The implementation of the “preparation for medical school participation - thematic analysis framework” developed in this study can be used to close the Latino physician-to-population gap in California. This study identified 11 areas for further research or policy development including (a) changes in the medical school application forms to reflect the role of admissions, as well as faculty in DEI efforts and policies; (b) including initiatives to incentivize institutions to mirror the state’s populations in their enrollments.