House approves pediatric hospital residency program funds

The House of Representatives Tuesday approved the Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education Support Reauthorization Act, which provides support to children's hospitals for their pediatric medical residency programs. The bill was first passed in 1999. "...Too many children in the United States already lack access to a pediatrician or doctor trained in pediatric sub-specialty. If we choose not to reauthorize this program, we will once again face a shortage of pediatric providers," Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) said in an announcement. Fifty-four U.S. hospitals participate in the program, which provides education to graduates of medical school, enhances research capabilities and helps the organizations care for vulnerable and underserved children. Announcement