Can Education Be a Cure?: Using Legal Epidemiology to Address Health Workforce Disparities.

Abstract

This article examines the intersection of legal epidemiology, education, and diversity in the healthcare workforce within historically marginalized Black communities. Despite national efforts to diversify the healthcare workforce, systemic barriers - rooted in historical policies such as redlining and unequal school funding - continue to obstruct educational attainment and career access. Through a literacy-focused intervention and analysis of parental involvement, the study identifies foundational educational deficits that hinder students' progression into healthcare fields. The authors argue for an expanded definition of legal epidemiology that includes education as a determinant of health, enabling a more holistic understanding of how law and policy shape community well-being. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the necessity for structural reforms in both education and healthcare policy to enhance equity, representation, and health outcomes. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and public health professionals committed to advancing justice through systemic change.