Medicine faces moral and ethical issues

Physician Executive, Jan-Feb, 1989 by Larry D. Edwards

Henry G. Cisneros, Mayor of San Antonio, Tex., set the ethical tone for the AAMC meeting by suggesting that three major changes will face society in the immediate future. * There will be massive changes in national

demographics. The changes will

occur in two major categories: the aged

and ethnic minorities. By 1990, there will be more U.S. citizens 65 years of age or older than there will be teenagers. The 85 and older age group win double by the year 2000, and, by 2010, baby boomers win reach the age of 65. The current suicide rate for those 65 years of age and older is already 50 percent greater than rates for the population at large. The increase in the youth of ethnic minorities is on a collision course with the increase in the aged. These increases are noted in specific locales and are mainly Asian, Black, and Hispanic in origin. For example, by the year 2000, 30 percent of California's population will be Asian, Black, and Hispanic. These populations have generally been underserved in health, education, and welfare. The economic survival of the nation depends on increased affirmative action for these groups. Increased intake into medical and other health field schools for ethnic minorities needs to be a high priority. n Economic changes are continuing to