Washington, D.C., Nov. 11, 2008—The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) called on Congress today to consider the role U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals play in the nation's fiscal health as lawmakers develop legislation to stimulate economic recovery.

In a recent letter to congressional leaders, the AAMC notes that medical schools and teaching hospitals have a substantial economic and social impact within the counties and cities they serve. According to a Tripp Umbach study, released in January 2007, the combined economic impact of AAMC-member institutions was over $451 billion. The nation's medical schools and teaching hospitals accounted for more than 3 million full-time jobs, which means that one out of every 48 wage earners in the U.S. labor force works directly or indirectly for one of these institutions.

Given the urgent need to preserve and create jobs in the current economic downturn, the AAMC recommends that the stimulus bill include an additional $1.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as increased support for VA research facilities, Title VII health professions, the National Health Service Corps, and the country's emergency preparedness and response programs. In addition, the AAMC is urging Congress to restore Medicare Capital Indirect Medical Education payments, preserve long-standing Medicaid funding for health care safety net providers and graduate medical education (GME), and raise the cap on Medicare GME training slots.

"Increased funding for programs that support medical schools and teaching hospitals will result in an investment return that will not only strengthen our economy, but will also improve the nation's health," said AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, M.D. "Additional funds for groundbreaking NIH research will create skilled jobs in communities throughout the country, and new medical advances that will save lives and help Americans stay healthier longer."

For more details on the AAMC's proposals for the economic stimulus legislation, go to: www.aamc.org/advocacy/library

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The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association representing all 131 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 68 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and nearly 90 academic and scientific societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC represents 128,000 faculty members, 75,000 medical students, and 110,000 resident physicians. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at www.aamc.org/newsroom.

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