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More Minority Medical Professionals Needed

The U.S. is heading for a shortage of physicians, even in a state as well educated and populated as New Jersey. Particularly in need: minority medical professionals who some argue can best meet the needs of diverse communities.

“If you look at the admissions to medical school itself, it doesn’t reflect the population at all,” said Dr. Patrick Beaty, chief medical officer at Metropolitan Family Health Network.

African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans make up a quarter of the U.S. population but only 6 percent of doctors, according to the Association of Medical Colleges.