Pipeline Programs in the Health Professions, Part 1: Preserving Diversity and Reducing Health Disparities

Pipeline programs are an important strategy for addressing the shortage of URMs in the health professions.Anti-affirmative action initiatives threaten the existence of these student preparation programs and the ability of our nation to produce physicians of color and other health care providers who are more likely to serve in underrepresented communities and work to reduce related health disparities.Programs at universities and academic medical centers must develop innovative partnerships with underserved communities, adopt strategies that demonstrate a strong commitment to increasing racial and ethnic minorities in the health professions, and develop viable funding mechanisms to support diversity enrichment programs.