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Washington Update
Last week, the highly regarded Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science released a report on racial and ethnic disparities in health care. This report -- highlighted in a separate article in this month's HABIT -- is the fourth major study released since January to show racial disparities in the health care system. The others came from the CDC, the Commonwealth Fund and Harvard University. Given the IOM's stature and the strong media response to its report, the issue of racism in health care is almost certain to capture the attention of policy makers and legislators.
Another report, recently released by The White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is generating comment and controversy. Earlier this month, the commission issued its recommendation that the Bush administration consider expanding federal funding of alternative therapies and creating a national office to study these treatments. Objections have come from sources both outside of and within the commission, which has labored for two years to create a national policy on alternative treatments. Much of the criticism centers on an issue familiar to HABIT readers who champion evidence-based medicine: a shortage of solid, scientific evidence demonstrating that the treatments are safe and effective.
Despite reports earlier this month that President Bush planned to nominate Dr. Elias Zerhouni for the long-vacant director's post at the NIH, no official announcement has been made. Meanwhile, the number of top public health positions without permanent appointees continues to rise. Dr. Marvin Cassman, director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, has announced plans to leave his office later this year. However, the important position of administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration has been filled by Elizabeth Duke, who has been acting administrator for one year. HRSA is the second largest of the U.S. Public Health Service's eight agencies.
HABIT notes the passing of Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research director Dr. John M. Eisenberg, who died on March 10 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. HHS secretary Tommy Thompson appointed Dr. Carolyn Clancy as acting director.
The Coalition for the Advancement of Health Through Behavioral and Social Science Research, in conjunction with Rep. Connie Morella (R-Md.), sponsored a Capitol Hill briefing on stress and health. An exploration of the pathways linking psychosocial factors and adverse health effects included comments on behavior's role as a mediator. Neil Schneiderman, professor of psychology, medicine, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Miami, observed that such behaviors as smoking, consumption of excess calories and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to coronary heart disease, while alcohol consumption can hamper recovery for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
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