4 research outputs found
Diversification of U.S. medical schools via affirmative action implementation
BACKGROUND: The diversification of medical school student and faculty bodies via race-conscious affirmative action policy is a societal and legal option for the U.S. Supreme Court has recently ruled its use constitutional. This paper investigates the implications of affirmative action, particularly race-conscious compared to race-blind admissions policy; explains how alternative programs are generally impractical; and provides a brief review of the history and legality of affirmative action in the United States. DISCUSSION: Selection based solely on academic qualifications such as GPA and MCAT scores does not achieve racial and ethnic diversity in medical school, nor does it adequately predict success as practicing physicians. However, race-conscious preference yields greater practice in underserved and often minority populations, furthers our biomedical research progression, augments health care for minority patients, and fosters an exceptional medical school environment where students are better able to serve an increasingly multicultural society. SUMMARY: The implementation of race-conscious affirmative action results in diversity in medicine. Such diversity has shown increased medical practice in underserved areas, thereby providing better health care for the American people
Health promotion and disease prevention among minorities
Lifestyle and behavior are central to the acquisition and development
of major chronic diseases. To influence lifestyle and behavior, health
promoters must take into account the values, attitudes, culture, and life
circumstances of the individual. If we are to achieve salutary changes in
the health status of minority populations, health professionals and
designers of health programs must cope with the extraordinary diversity
of America’s populations.
There are four generally recognized minority groups in the United
States: Asian/ Pacific Islanders, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native
Americans. While about one out of five Americans belongs to one of
these four groups, their population growth