THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

PROFESSIONAL MANPOWER IN

RHEUMATOLOGY

January 1973

INTRODUCTION

This chapter sets forth the objectives and scope of the study, the approach used in conducting it, and the outline of the report.

OBJECTIVES

AND SCOPE

This study was undertaken pursuant to a resolution of the Executive
Committee of the Arthritis Foundation (acting on a recommendation
by the Medical Administrative Committee) calling for a survey of exist-
ing professional manpower in rheumatology, the need for additional
manpower and the order of magnitude of cost of meeting that need.

The overall objective was to develop a document which would provide background for discussions with legislators, health officials and others concerned with rheumatic diseases, and which would also serve as a planning base for resource allocation by the Foundation.

· The specific objectives of the study were to:

Provide estimates of the current prevalence of arthritis and related diseases in the United States and background data on the economic impact of such diseases.

Develop a profile of current professional manpower in the United States concerned with arthritis

- Develop a profile of current training for health professionals con-
cerned with arthritis

Provide estimates of the order of magnitude of funds required to close the gap between existing patient care and professional training needs and available manpower resources.

The scope of the study was specifically limited in two respects.

- Emphasis in the study was placed on the acquisition, synthesis and evaluation of data collected by others and on the experience and judgment of individuals knowledgeable in rheumatology.

INTRODUCTION (Cont'd)

- The study included the identification and analysis of trends indicated by recent data, but did not include historical inquiries.

APPROACH

Throughout the study, the study team relied heavily on the professional
advice and assistance of the health professionals on the Manpower Study
Committee, American Rheumatism Association Section, Arthritis
Foundation, and the collaboration of the National Institute of

Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive Diseases (NIAMDD).

Bayles Professor of

K. Frank Austen, M. D. (Chairman)
Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Physician-in-Chief,
Robert B. Brigham Hospital

Daniel J. McCarty, M. D., F.A.C.P. - Professor of Medicine,
University of Chicago School of Medicine

William M. Mikkelsen, M. D. - Associate Professor of Internal
Medicine, Rackham Arthritis Research Unit, University of
Michigan School of Medicine

Roland W. Moskowitz, M. D. - Associate Professor of Medicine,
Case Western Reserve School of Medicine

Harry Robinson, Sc. D.

Associate Professor and Chief, Section of Biostatistics, University of Tennessee College of Medicine

Frank R. Schmid, M. D. Professor of Medicine and Chief,
Section on Arthritis and Connective Tissue Diseases, North-
western University School of Medicine

Lawrence E. Shulman, M. D., Ph. D. - Associate Professor of
Medicine and Director, Connective Tissue Division, The Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine

Ronnie E. Townsend, M. P. H. - Career Development Officer,
Office of Air Programs, Environmental Protection Agency