Minority physicians' role in the care of underserved patients: Diversifying the physicianworkforce may be key in addressing health disparities

摘要

Disparities in access to care persist despite efforts to improve care for underserved patients: racial and ethnic minorities, the uninsured, the poor, Medicaid recipients, and non-English speakers. A shortage of physicians practicing in communities where disadvantaged patients live is a major contributor. Minority and non-English-speaking populations in the United States have grown markedly during the past 2 decades, and minorities may be a majority by 2050. While the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will expand insurance coverage for low-income, uninsured individuals, concern remains about the supply of physicians to care for these newly insured populations.