Leading an academic health center in the 21st century: a pediatric surgeon's perspective.

PURPOSE: At present, there is a gathering storm that is threatening the very practice of the art of medicine for future generations as never before. This article gives successful examples and calls for approaches that support improvements in education and health care for low-income and minority populations.

METHODS: To address this problem, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio established the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC) along the Texas/Mexico border, which provides educational opportunities, clinical partnerships, and facilities to attract faculty to research and examine the health problems that are common in the Hispanic population.

RESULTS: In less than 4 years at the RAHC, nearly 100 medical students have been educated and 60% of residents are staying in the border area to practice. The creation of the RAHC has also has stimulated interest in students who are largely Hispanic to pursue health professional education. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is now the number one public medical school graduating the most Hispanics in the nation.

CONCLUSIONS: The concept of the RAHC is an important means of addressing access to health care while serving as a catalyst to increase opportunities for students of all backgrounds to pursue health professional education.