Kurt Miceli critiques DEI impact on medical education at congressional hearing

The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss the implications of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the medical field. The meeting featured testimony from Dr. Kurt Miceli, medical director of the organization Do No Harm, which advocates for the exclusion of identity politics from healthcare.

Dr. Miceli expressed concerns that DEI efforts, initially aimed at fostering inclusion, have shifted towards prioritizing group identity over individual merit. He argued that this trend undermines professionalism and stifles open dialogue within medical teams. He noted that DEI has permeated various aspects of medicine, including medical school admissions, professional development, and accreditation processes, often at the expense of essential medical training.

A significant point raised by Dr. Miceli was the assertion that DEI initiatives are based on the flawed premise that racial disparities in health outcomes are primarily due to structural racism. He cited systematic reviews indicating that racial concordance—matching patients with doctors of the same race—does not lead to improved health outcomes. In fact, he stated that four out of five systematic reviews found no difference in care quality based on the race of the physician.

Dr. Miceli highlighted a specific study regarding infant mortality rates that initially suggested black doctors provided better care for black infants. However, he noted that subsequent analysis revealed that when accounting for factors like low birth weight, the supposed advantage of racial concordance disappeared. He criticized the academic community for perpetuating misleading studies that lack robust evidence, which he believes contributes to the ideological capture of medical education.

The committee members expressed concern over the prevalence of DEI language in medical school mission statements and standardized tests, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of these practices. Dr. Miceli called for a return to merit-based standards in medical education and practice, emphasizing that patient care should prioritize competence over political ideology.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing debate surrounding DEI in healthcare, with calls for accountability and a focus on excellence in medical training. As lawmakers and medical institutions grapple with these issues, the implications for the future of healthcare remain significant.