Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2011

Floor Speech

* 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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