According to 2002 U.S. Census data, ethnic minority groups comprise nearly 29 percent of our country’s population. Yet data suggest that these groups—African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, American Indians/Alaskan Natives—are disproportionately underrepresented in professional and managerial occupations in general, and in the fields of health services research (HSR) and health policy in particular. If these fields do not adequately represent our country’s racial composition, decision makers cannot guide research agendas or devise policies that accurately reflect the needs of the U.S. population. Additional information on this project can be found in our workplan.

AcademyHealth is committed to learning why few minorities are entering HSR so that it can begin to address the problem. We received a one-year grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to explore how to increase diversity in the field. Staff examined recruitment, retention, mentoring, and financial aid policies and procedures of selected health services research programs at both public and private institutions around the country. In addition, staff gathered primary data about these programs by interviewing HSR graduate students and faculty, and conducting focus groups with students. A report detailing best practices, lessons learned, and unmet needs is now available through the link above.