"The important work of the project has been fostering partnerships between academic medical schools anti public school systems. We had to do something about the fundamental educational disparities, but we weren't going to be able to accomplish what we needed to do even with affirmative action," Nickens said.

The cause of minority under-representation in the medical and health profession, Nickens said, is the scarcity of students of color who are both interested in the field and academically prepared.

"While [affirmative action] does improve the numbers, the pool of academically motivated minority students is small and forces everyone to compete for a group of students that's just too small to service the needs of the nation in aerospace, law and science, and other fields that need highly trained minority talent," Nickens said.

As the effect of Hopwood begins choking off and modifying affirmative action in higher education, Nickens is advising prospective minority medical school applicants "to get their academic skills to the highest level possible," including enrolling in enrichment programs.

Cohen said the AAMC is determined to "beat back" anti-affirmative action policies now sweeping the nation and impacting medical education and the profession. Cohen urged students to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors despite persistent anti-affirmative action trends.

"I'm confident that the pendulum will swing back," Cohen said. "Apply, apply, apply. If you don't apply to medical school then obviously you won't get in... But be encouraged that there are those of us who are on the other side of the chasm pulling for you."

COPYRIGHT 1997 Cox, Matthews & Associates