THE IMPACT OF HEALTH-CARE REFORM ON TRAINING AND RESEARCH IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

The health care;proposal submitted by the Clinton administration contained several items that may very well have an impact on the training of pediatric cardiologists and the research components of this subspecialty [1]. It is the purpose of this review to cite specific parts of the proposal that appeared to affect future pediatric manpower, specifically both the number of pediatric cardiologists who would be trained to meet future needs, and the ability of these physicians to participate in basic science as well as clinical research. With these facets of the proposal on the table, possible reactions by the pediatric cardiology community to these items will be considered. These include funding issues, care of the adult with congenital heart disease and alternative support for research. We know now, however, that these proposals will be modified considerably. At this point, therefore, the final product clearly is speculative. Segments in the original proposal that appeared to affect the training of specialists included the number of specialists to be trained and the role of academic health centers. Both of these issues would have potential effects on pediatric cardiology manpower needs.