[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO VA-HACU HEALTH CARE INTERN PARTNERSHIP

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 1997

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Veterans 
Administration and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and 
Universities [HACU] for undertaking a new partnership aimed at 
increasing Hispanic participation in health care professions. The 
program is being launched this morning at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial 
Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. 
Kenneth Kizer and HACU President Dr. Antonio Flores will be present at 
the kick-off ceremony.
  The program's goal is to place Hispanic interns in VA facilities 
across the country, providing them hands-on experience in a variety of 
VA health care settings. Students accepted into the summer internship 
program will work at medical centers, outpatient clinics, nursing homes 
and community-based clinics, thus providing a broad spectrum of 
experience opportunities.
  The interns will complement over 100,000 health care professionals 
who are trained at VA facilities across the country. This experience is 
designed to educate interns who are pursuing careers in health care 
services, ranging from physical therapy to health care administration. 
I commend the VA for its commitment to develop a workforce which 
reflects the communities served by the VA health care system.

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