Medical group challenges study on diversity in military healthcare, urges deeper analysis

WASHINGTON (TNND) — A group of medical professionals known as Do No Harm is challenging the Frakes Gruber study, which is often cited to support the need for more diversity in military medical staffing. The group claims the study fails to properly examine whether Black patients with a lack have better outcomes when treated by black doctors. Instead, they argue it obscures findings that Black patients fare best when treated by non-black doctors in facilities with more black doctors. Jay Green, director of research for Do No Harm, said studies like this are designed to “codify DEI doctrine and to pave the way for reestablishing affirmative action.”

{ }A study published in Science Direct found that uninsured black patients in the E.R. were 27% less likely to die in the hospital compared to the overall mortality rate. Another study in JAMA revealed that a 10% increase in black primary care doctors in a county correlated with black residents living roughly a month longer. (TNND)

However, the Frakes Gruber study is not the only research in this field. Dr. King, author of “Diagnosing Whiteness and Anti-Blackness,” emphasized the importance of race in medical care, stating, “Absolutely. There’s a decade-long body of data pointing to how race matters in medical care.” A study published in Science Direct found that uninsured black patients in the E.R. were 27% less likely to die in the hospital compared to the overall mortality rate. Another study in JAMA revealed that a 10% increase in black primary care doctors in a county correlated with black residents living roughly a month longer.

Experts argue that such findings highlight the need for diversity in medicine, as Black Americans have a shorter life expectancy than white Americans by up to eight years. Dr. King explained the concept of “culturally congruent care,” which ensures that medical care aligns with patients’ backgrounds, making them feel valued and heard. This report is part of a broader effort by Republicans to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from medicine, raising concerns that crucial research, such as studies on why black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, could be neglected.