Programs created to increase the enrollment of minority and
disadvantaged students to medical schools appear to be
effective, according to a study in the September 6 issue of
JAMA, a theme issue on medical education. A racially and
ethnically diverse physician workforce is important for
increasing access to care for underserved populations and
improving the cultural competence of the workforce, according to
background information in the article. However, many ethnic
groups remain underrepresented among physicians in the United
States. In 2000, blacks, Latinos, and Native Americans comprised
more than 25 percent of the U.S. population but only 7 percent
of the nation's physicians. Students from lower-income families
are also much less likely than those from higher-income families
to be admitted into medical school. One strategy for increasing
the diversity of the physician workforce is to implement
interventions to support the academic achievement and health
career aspirations of minority and low-income youth.