Number of Latino Doctors Declined 22% Since 1980s

The number of Latino doctors declined 22% over the past 30 years, while the Latino population rose 243% in the same span, according to a new study. The study, from UCLA’s Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, used Census data to examine the Latino physician workforce from 1980 and 2010. Latino doctors declined from 135 to 105 per 100,000 Latinos from 1980 to 2010, a 22% drop. White doctors increased from 211 to 315 per 100,000 whites in the same period, a 49% rise. Study leaders said the Latino doctoral shortage negatively affects patients. “There is a shortage of health care professionals that, at minimum, have the language skills to communicate effectively with patients, provide quality care and avoid harmful outcomes for a growing majority of patients ...