Considering the implications of the Supreme Court's decision, the editorial comments: 'The Association of American Medical Colleges' President Jordan J Cohen welcomed it and pointed out that there is an especially compelling case for this kind of affirmative action in medicine, where "a more diverse physician workforce will benefit every aspect of health care". In medicine, as in other professions, however, even if there is a more diverse body of students, there remains in place a firm glass ceiling during career progression. In the UK, 35% of doctors are from an ethnic minority. Whereas they make up 65% of staff grade doctors, a lower paid position without career progression, only 20% of consultants are from ethnic minorities. In a report by the British Medical Association, 59% of a cohort of doctors believed that ethnicity was significant in career advancement. The percentage was 86% among doctors from ethnic minorities. Many doctors surveyed had reported discriminatory behaviour that is not considered acceptable in other work environments.'
The editorial concludes by stating that employers need to do more to address the racial inequalities in medicine: 'Every suitable applicant who contributes a different ethnic and cultural background is a special asset to the workforce. Recruiting policies need to reflect this fact.'
Journal
The Lancet