RIA: Unlocking the Gates for Black Men in PA Training

Research in Action (RIA): 25-minute research presentation, eligible for CME

CASPA data from 2013 to 2021 show Black men remain nearly absent from PA programs, averaging 2.2% of applicants and 1.2% of matriculants despite representing 8.7% of the U.S. population. Intended for educators, admissions teams, and diversity advocates, this session will present data-driven trends, identify deficits compared to equitable standards, and propose targeted interventions to increase Black male representation, fostering a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.

Additional authors:
Samuel W. Paik
Dominique Frias-Sarmiento, MA
Disclosure(s): No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose within the past 24 months

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:

• Describe trends in Black male applicants and matriculants in PA programs and compare this to age-specific U.S. Census data
• Identify barriers contributing to underrepresentation of Black men in PA programs, and propose targeted strategies to promote equitable admissions practices