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The population of the United States is more diversified than ever. With that being said, the medical system is lacking representation of the different races that make up the the U.S minority populations. The number of majority workers in health surpass minorities by 90%. This mass underrepresentation can lead to a number of different issues and health disparities.

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Health disparities among US citizens have been documented and researched. Different sociological factors that date back to segregation have had an effect on the different ways people receive treatment and the availability of treatment. In the African American community for example, segregation has created lasting effects of poor health, limited resources, and access to health.

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Healthcare would benefit greatly by having a diverse workforce. This nation is a melting pot with many different cultures and backgrounds. People have different ideals, religions, and ways of life that must be respected when it come to individuals receiving medical treatment.

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One study showed that black physicians thought race was an important factor in how they were to treat the patient, different methods of treatments that should be used, as well as different disease risk that come with the race of the patient. A study done in Oakland California found that the minorities prefer to see physicians of their own race. Although this can be deemed as racist in a way, it makes sense due to how conditions for African Americans and other minorities have been for the past century.

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Having a physician that is familiar with your culture and can relate with you on a deeper level is important.  it was shown that black men were far more likely to make preventative health choices when it came from receiving recommendations from a black doctor. Just having someone who grew up in the same conditions or can feel for your situation can help instill trust in all situations no matter what the race is.

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The disparities have a broad range of effects. One is the shorter lifespan of African Americans. This has been studied for the past century, and although it has improved, it is still a problem.

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In order to change, more minority health care providers are needed. The low number is prevalent and is a leading cause to health disparities. There has to be more opportunities for education and more directives that guide students to more medical routes.

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There are a number of agencies that agree that minority health care providers fill a critical void for minority patients. It has been proven that minority health care professionals are more likely to serve populations they represent. There has also been an increasing number of federal initiatives since 1998 to aid in the eradication of health disparities.