History

The programs of the Hispanic Center of Excellence are sponsored through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Health Careers Diversity and Development. http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/diversity

In 1991 the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine received a grant to establish the only Hispanic Center of Excellence in the Midwest. UIC-College of Medicine has gained national recognition for its recruitment and graduation of underrepresented students in the Medical profession. The U.S. Bureau of the Census has reported that, as of 2002 Latinos contribute the largest minority group with over 37 million individuals or 13% of the total population. Although Latinos represent the fastest growing segment of the population, the number of Latino physicians in this country is disproportionately low. Hispanics make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, but only 4 percent are doctors.

Mission
The mission of the Hispanic Center of Excellence is to increase the capacity of the College of Medicine to admit and graduate a greater number of Latino physicians; to promote the recruitment and development of Latino and other minority faculty; to foster faculty and student research on minority health issues; and to expand curricular opportunities that address the health care needs of underserved minority communities.

Goals
1) Increase the admissions of Latino students at the UIC-College of Medicine.
2) Provide Latino student’s research opportunities on Latino health related issue.
3) Introduce and expose students to Latino medical health issues and needs.
4) Enhance Latino student performance in medical education.
5) To develop curricular initiatives that address cultural competence issues in the medical care.
6) To develop increased numbers of Latino Faculty in the College.