Western University's President Says More Minorities Needed As Health Care Professionals

Western University of Health Sciences President Philip Pumerantz, Ph. D.,

will appear before a California State Assembly sub-committee today to

discuss the state’s growing shortage of health care professionals and

significant diversity issues in the health professions.

“”While California is the most populous state in the United States and the

eighth largest economy in the world, its health care challenges continue

to grow,”” Dr. Pumerantz said. “”The data is very clear, and indicates

significant personnel shortages in all health care provider fields,

including insufficient diversity in the health professions workforce.””

While addressing the sub-committee, Dr. Pumerantz will present

demographics, predictions and emerging trends in health professions

education.

Dr. Pumerantz considers the number of ethnic minorities who fail to

graduate from high school a clear reflection of the growing disparity

among medical providers who represent California’s current demography;

and that innovative education and public and private partnerships will be

essential to mitigating the growing health care challenges endemic to

California.