Med schools across the country face a new challenge in their mission to train more Black, Hispanic, and Native American doctors. Recruitment Challenges Medical schools are struggling to attract students from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly Black, Hispanic, and Native American students. Research shows that patients prefer doctors of their own race, and Black patients who see Black doctors have better health outcomes. However, recent opposition to diversity programs is jeopardizing these efforts. Republican Pushback Since the Supreme Court's decision to outlaw affirmative action in higher education in 2023, over two dozen states have introduced or passed laws restricting diversity programs. The movement to ban DEI programs has gained conservative support nationally, with some arguing that diversity programs fail to improve health outcomes among patients. Impact in Mississippi Mississippi, a state with significant health disparities, has also felt the impact of this opposition. Efforts to increase diversity in medical schools face pushback from legislators, with some arguing that qualifications, not race, should determine medical school admissions. Historical Context Mississippi has a history of racial segregation in medical education, with the first Black physician graduating from the state's medical school in 1972. The legacy of systemic racism continues to shape the healthcare workforce in the state. Creating Opportunities Despite these challenges, medical schools like the University of Mississippi School of Medicine are working to create opportunities for aspiring doctors from underrepresented backgrounds. Programs like African American Visit Day and test prep courses aim to encourage and support prospective minority students in pursuing careers in medicine. Looking Ahead Medical school administrators remain vigilant in the face of opposition to diversity programs, emphasizing the importance of increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce for better patient outcomes and addressing health disparities. The road to increasing diversity in medical schools may be challenging, but efforts to shape the possibilities for aspiring doctors from all backgrounds continue.