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