Training the Health Workforce of Tomorrow

In 2001 GIH convened a group of grantmakers and national experts concerned about health workforce issues. This Issue Brief explores issues related to the supply, composition, and competency of the health workforce, and the role that these factors play in maintaining and improving the health status of individual patients and broader populations.  Specifically, the report focuses on grantmaker activities in four areas: shifting the geographic distribution of the health workforce to ensure access in underserved areas; improving representation among racial and ethnic minorities; addressing the current shortage of nurses, particularly in inpatient settings; and improving health professionals’ competency in addressing the complex health care needs of the elderly.