Numbers of minority health professionals: where do we stand?

This overview has pointed to a continuing racial and ethnic imbalance in the health professions that applies to North Carolina as well as the nation. Great strides have been made early in the development of programs to enhance racial and ethnic representation, but they have generally reached a plateau in terms of growth and progress. Resistance to affirmative action programs and subsequent uncertainty over their legal standing can be cited as one factor thwarting progress, but that issue has been resolved and schools, professions, and the North Carolina General Assembly can move forward with a clear understanding of how to proceed. A full generation has matured with the benefit of positive emphasis on increasing the proportion of minorities in the health professions. The coming generations must build and expand on the programs and initiatives that brought the nation and the state to where we are now. But these goals must be re-stated, and intensified efforts are required if any reasonable parity in representation of minorities among the health professions is to be achieved.