A law professor facing scrutiny for research suggesting New Mexico doesn’t suffer from a notable physician shortage defended his findings before state lawmakers, alleging critics used allotted questioning time for prepared statements rather than seeking clarification. The exchange occurred as concerns mount over healthcare access in the state, particularly in rural areas, and follows recent legal challenges to the professor’s professional standing.The debate centers on data presented by Dr. Black regarding physician availability in New Mexico, a state consistently ranked near the bottom nationally in per capita doctors. His research challenges the widely held perception of a severe shortage, a claim that has drawn sharp criticism from some legislators and healthcare advocates. The findings are particularly relevant as New Mexico grapples with attracting and retaining medical professionals, impacting patient care and possibly exacerbating existing health disparities. Black is currently involved in “active litigation” regarding his disbarment.
“If you want to attack my results, attack my results,” Black stated, asserting that his harshest critics bypassed opportunities to engage with his methodology. He further clarified, “I’m not saying New Mexico couldn’t use more physicians… But I’m saying, relatively, New Mexico isn’t doing so badly.”
Black acknowledged the difficulties some residents face in finding a doctor but maintained his data indicates the state’s situation is comparatively better than perceived. He also expressed gratitude for lawmakers who posed direct questions, characterizing their approach as indicative of a “good legislative process” and a genuine interest in understanding the data.
“I was actually impressed that there were 15, 17 legislators in the room and most of them asked questions and most of them seemed to want answers as opposed to, you know, here’s my three minutes to talk,” Black said. He is also ”fighting” his disbarment, believing it to be “entirely wrong.”
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