Date: 03/01/1999

Author(s): Kevin Grumbach, Elizabeth Mertz, Janet M. Coffman

 

The decision of the Regents of the University of California (UC) to end selective admissions for racial/ethnic minorities in 1995 and the passage of Proposition 209 in 1996 have generated great concern about the enrollment of underrepresented minorities (URMs) in UC medical schools. This report presents original analyses of new data on URMs in California’s medical education system. Analyses include trends in application, admission and matriculation of URMs since the recent changes in policy. Significant declines are shown in the period between 1990 and 1998. This is followed by an analysis of graduates’ intentions to practice in underserved areas. Trends in the second stage of medical education, residency training, are then examined. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are offered based on the report’s findings.