Both the Dental School and the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio ranked second in the country in the number of Hispanics obtaining graduate professional degrees after the 2004-2005 academic year, according to rankings reported this summer by the Virginia-based magazine Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.
The Health Science Center also ranked fourth in the number of Hispanics obtaining baccalaureate degrees in health professions and related clinical sciences, according to Diverse.
“This is great news. It is another indicator that we are making headway in our quest to open the way for more Hispanic students to pursue health careers,” said Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., president of the Health Science Center. “Every bright, talented student who is so inclined should have the opportunity to follow this dream, and we believe many will stay to serve South Texas.”
The Dental School conferred first professional degrees to 16 Hispanics in 2005, and the school tied for first in the country in percentage of graduates who are Hispanic (19 percent).
“We are home to a Hispanic Center of Excellence-Dentistry that represents our commitment to Hispanics who want to study dentistry and pursue careers in dental practice and research,” said Kenneth L. Kalkwarf, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the Dental School. “It is gratifying to know that our Dental School is ranked so highly in this category.”
The School of Medicine, also home to a long-running Medical Hispanic Center of Excellence, conferred first professional degrees to 31 Hispanics in 2005.
“I am very proud of the efforts made in the School of Medicine to increase the diversity in our student body,” said William L. Henrich, M.D., M.A.C.P., dean of the School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs. “This diversity enriches the learning climate in our School, and I am delighted we are being recognized for this.”