Abstract

ABSTRACT Background.There is concern that anti-affirmative-action measures will negate gains made in educating underrepresented minority physicians and that this underrepresentation may have a negative impact on access to health care for these same underrepresented groups. Methods.A review of the literature was completed to examine the relationship between opportunities for underrepresented minorities in medical education and the role of minority physicians in providing access to health care for underserved populations. The current number of minority physicians in the United States is discussed, and a historical perspective is provided regarding efforts to increase the numbers. Results.The data consistently indicate that minority physicians provide a disproportionately greater share of health care to underserved groups. Conclusion.These findings reveal that there may be a significant negative impact on access to health care among poor, minority, and underserved populations as a result of judicial and legislative actions that curtail affirmative action programs in medical education.