How Adtalem is Bridging the Women's Health Gap Through Education

As Women's History Month comes to a close, we must not only look back on the incredible strides women have made, but also look forward to bridging the persistent women's health gap. A new report by McKinsey Health Institute underscores an economic imperative—closing the women's health gap could boost the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040. The societal return on investment is undeniable—as women thrive, so does the world around us. And with an estimated 75 million lives lost, the need could not be greater.

One issue of the women's health gap is the pervasive lack of access to quality healthcare. Do you recall the last time you needed to find a doctor? Locating a provider who understands your background and who you can relate to can be daunting for anyone. The stark truth for many women is that lack of representation discourages at best and deters at worst.

I recall the task of finding a maternal clinician in San Francisco who could relate to my background, a journey that took me far from home, both literally and figuratively. My pursuit was with good reason; according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Black women have a 53% increased risk of dying in the hospital during childbirth, regardless of their social determinants of health, including income and insurance. This striking reality amplifies the critical need for diversity in the healthcare workforce to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and patient understanding, potentially saving lives.

My firsthand healthcare experiences intensify my passion for Adtalem Global Education as an individual and Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer. As the number one healthcare educator [1] and a mission-led organization, Adtalem is in the best position to enhance healthcare by changing the face of those who deliver it—

• In 2022, Walden University ranked #1 in granting research doctorates to women
• In 2023, 87% of students who were offered an Empower Scholarship identified as a woman [2]
• Adtalem is the No. 1 provider of Black medical degree graduates, more than any other US medical school [3]
• Chamberlain University was the #1 provider of healthcare degrees to minority students in 2020-2021 [4]
• 88% of our medical school graduates serve in low-income communities [5]

These statistics are not just numbers; they are milestones on our journey to revolutionize healthcare through education and inclusivity. They underscore Adtalem's pivotal role in mitigating the critical shortages in the US healthcare system and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one's health is left to chance. Black Excellence Scholarship recipient and Ross University School of Medicine student, Faith Emovon David, summed up why what we do is so important:

"To serve diverse populations, we need diverse doctors."

As Women's History Month reminds us of the lessons learned and a promising future, I invite you to join me in my continued support for advocating for an equitable healthcare system. By supporting Adtalem Global Education 's mission, whether through partnerships, engaging in our educational programs, advocating for diversity in healthcare, or sharing this article, you become an integral part of a movement toward a healthier, more equitable future.

[1] Based on 2022 data of graduates from US schools.?

[2]?Data is self-reported by individuals.

[3]?Based on Fiscal Year 2021, more than 100 graduates each year.

[4] Based on Fiscal Year 2021.?

[5] Per a March 2020 report.