Undergraduate Students | texaswomenshistories

WHY STUDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE

Why is it important?

Almost one third of the US population is Hispanic or black, but only 9% of physicians are black or Hispanic. Often times, these population groups lack adequate healthcare access (Bureau). You (yes you) can change that! By entering the healthcare field, you can serve populations that need healthcare, but aren't necessarily receiving it, or aren't receiving adequate healthcare. Become a doctor today!

Would I actually be able to help?

Yes! By nature of being a minority student, you bring a different perspective to medical care than can be very valuable. You can relate to your own population group at a deeper level than someone of another ethnicity may be able to, because you and your patient will have a shared cultural background.

Is there even a problem? Why is it important for me to enter healthcare in particular?

Take a glance at our "Why Diversity?" page. The statistics you'll find there will more than likely show you why you should enter medicine or a healthcare profession. If that doesn't, we encourage you to check out Lu Ann Aday and Ritsu Komaki's interviews, as well as interviews of two minority female students on why they want to enter medicine.

But what about... the obstacles?

School may be challenging, and often times even getting and undergraduate education seems daunting, but if you are struggling, there are resources available to help you. If you're a high school student considering college, you should absolutely attend. If finances are an issue, find a school with good financial aid, apply for scholarship and work study, or attend a junior college or community college at first. If you're an undergraduate student interested in a career in healthcare, go for it.
In short, the obstacles can be overcome, whatever they are.

So at the end of the day, why am I doing this?

Good luck!

Why is it important?

Women are able to bring a unique perspective to medicine, and are able to solve patient care problems in a different way than their male counter parts. This would make you a valuable asset to public health.

Would I actually be able to help?

Yes! Women prefer female doctors. Often, women are feel more comfortable sharing their concerns with a female doctor than they would with a male doctor (Chen). This allows you to improve the quality of treatment for your female patients. Female doctors are also more likely to chat with patients about their illnesses, and so they are able to establish trust fairly easily.

Is there even a problem? Why is it important for me to enter healthcare in particular?

Look at our "Why Diversity?" page. The statistics you'll find there may surprise you. If that doesn't convince you to enter medicine, we encourage you to check out Lu Ann Aday and Ritsu Komaki's interviews, as well as interviews of two minority female students on why they want to enter medicine. These women want to improve healthcare for women, but also want to empower other women in the professional realm. These days, while there are often an equal distribution of male and female medical students, there is a disparity among minority women in medicine. Since women make up about half of the US population, it is important to have a proportional number of female doctors to serve them.

But what about... the obstacles?

If you're worried about facing sexism in the work place, just know that you have the support of many successful and strong professional women such as Lu Ann Aday and Ritsu Komaki. The obstacles at the end of the day can be overcome. If you are interested in entering healthcare, we encourage you to! You can be a valuable member of the healthcare community, as well as the global community.

So at the end of the day, why am I doing this?

You want to serve your community.
You will be able to help your fellow sisters, friends, and women.
You will be able to improve the patient care experience of countless women.
You will continue to break important ground for women in the future in professional careers such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc.

Best of luck!