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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Monday reiterated the importance of legislation to fund the Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Support Program, a bill Pallone introduced after the president’s budget did not renew funding for the primary training program for pediatric doctors nationwide. Without the program, children’s health will suffer, Pallone said Monday in an Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on the program. Pallone’s plan has bi-partisan support from members in both the House and Senate.
“Today’s legislative hearing is a significant step in moving forward with legislation that is vital to children’s health,” said Pallone. “I was disappointed to see the president suspended funding for this program in this year’s budget. This legislation is critical to preserving this training program.”
Since the CHGME was first created in the 1990s, the program has effectively reversed declines in pediatric training programs which threatened the stability of the pediatric workforce. The small class of hospitals that receive this funding represents about one percent of hospitals nationwide but trains approximately 40 percent of all pediatricians.
“As every parent knows, it’s important to have a trusted doctor to turn to when their child gets sick. The Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Program has been tremendously successful in making sure that doctor is there and trained to treat the special needs of our children when they need it most.”
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