Zeitschrift für Tiergesundheit und Verhaltenswissenschaft

Barriers that limit entry of underrepresented people of color in academic healthcare professions and education

Abstract

Annie J Daniel

The number of underrepresented people of color (URPCs) in academic healthcare professions and education has seen little increase in numbers in the professoriate student population. What is it about the academic environment of our health professions schools that deter or even discourage URPCs from full participation in academics? How can we provide role models for underrepresented students of color in our health professions education programs? Is it time to examine creative and innovative thinking about the academic health care enterprise? What impact does the political, social and race relations of our time have on underrepresented people of color in academic health care centers? These and other ideas will be explored.

Due to shifts in the composition of the population, the U. S. Census projects that by the year 2042 groups that comprise current racial minorities will become the majority of the US population. As a result, the client base across all health professions, including medicine and veterinary medicine are undergoing change.