Collecting epidemiologic data by ethnicity and race is a highly useful undertaking; but "bench mark" comparisons relative to majority Americans should not take priority over defining the determinants of health status within a minority group. Thus, it is necessary to identify factors contributing to the measured health status and to modify the environment, lifestyles, and behaviors to diminish the likelihood of undesirable health outcomes. This article presents an overview of the health status of African Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics. The goals are to provide a framework for the rational interpretation of both health status data and its determinants both within and between minority groups. This approach recognizes the heterogeneity of health status that exists within a minority group and encourages investigators to place more emphasis on the within-group health status differentials as they search for modifiable factors that underlie the risk for undesirable health outcomes.