Mounting evidence from across the country and from the analysis the AAMC has just concluded clearly indicates that the long-term financial stability of teaching hospitals is seriously threatened. That analysis foretells a pronounced negative effect on the education and service-related missions of teaching hospitals and justifies the action steps we believe are needed to avert irreparable damage and to ensure the future viability of these institutions. Further BBA cuts must be halted. The AAMC's Dr. Ernie Valente, who prepared the analysis, is here and can answer any specific questions you might have. In addition, Jeffrey Otten, president of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and Harry Jacobson, M.D., vice chancellor for health at Vanderbilt Medical Center, are here to provide you with perspectives from two of our nation's leading teaching hospitals.
Teaching hospitals are a national resource.
And these are the missions that are currently in jeopardy, and in some places are threatened with extinction. From our public opinion research, we know that people identify with and support these critical missions. In addition, a similar percentage of people are worried that the funding needed to provide special services, such as burn, trauma and cardiac care, may also be lost. In addition, in just the last week the New York Times, Washington Post, and Roll Call all have published editorials highlighting the precarious nature of teaching hospital finances. These stories are not isolated to one city or one institution.