[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL GME SUPPORT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1852, the 
Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Support 
Reauthorization Act.
  The future of pediatric health care cannot be compromised. As a 
supporter of the original legislation that established the CHGME 
program, and a cosponsor of H.R. 1852, I believe we must provide all 
the resources needed to guarantee that children's hospitals can 
continue to provide quality and timely care to their patients. As a 
mother and grandmother, I know how important it is for families in the 
Chicagoland area to know that Children's Memorial Hospital is there for 
them.
  Support for physician education and training is essential to ensure 
patient access to care. Multiple expert bodies have identified a need 
for more pediatric subspecialists and have recommended expansion of 
medical education for pediatrics. In a letter to members of the Energy 
and Commerce Committee, the National Association of Children's 
Hospitals wrote that ``thanks to CHGME, children's hospitals have 
enriched their training experience by providing greater community-based 
opportunities in underserved urban and rural areas. This has increased 
access to care and the likelihood that residents will practice in 
medically underserved areas.''
  The funding from the CHGME program helps to ensure that children have 
access to the trained professionals they need. CHGME currently provides 
funding to 56 hospitals in 30 states to support pediatric residency 
training. Today, freestanding children's hospitals train over 40 
percent of pediatricians, 43 percent of pediatric specialists, and most 
pediatric researchers.
  Taking care of the health needs of children must be a top priority--
we cannot afford to jeopardize their well-being and future. I urge my 
colleagues to support H.R. 1852, doing so will help to ensure that 
children have access to the trained pediatricians they need.

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