Journey Toward Medical School: A Case Study of the Premed Experiences of Black Male Undergraduates

Despite initiatives to diversify the physician workforce, the number of Black male medical school applicants has remained disproportionately low since 1978. Understanding the underrepresentation of Black males in medicine is critical given disparities in access to preventive care and life expectancy among the Black population, which continues to experience higher mortality rates than White Americans. Increasing the number of Black male physicians may help address these disparities, as Black patients often experience improved health outcomes when treated by Black physicians. To understand factors influencing persistence toward medicine, this qualitative case study examined the premed and advising experiences of 11 Black male undergraduates in the United States. Findings revealed four themes that influenced their premed journey: academic, financial, and institutional concerns; family and community support; self-doubt, stereotype threat, and stress; and advising experiences. Advising emerged as a significant institutional influence. While some premed advisors provided academic support and verbal motivation, most lacked availability, engaged in cooling out, practiced passive rather than relational advising, and had limited influence on participants’ decisions to apply to medical school. This study draws attention to how advising practices and campus environments affect Black males’ persistence in premed and contribute to their continued underrepresentation in medicine.