| Because the health manpower shortage in the USA is so grave, every conceivable resource for training must be utilized. Community hospitals represent a resource with tremendous potential. Working in partnership with community colleges, community hospitals can develop innovative training programmes producing a vast array of health personnel. In addition, medical students can experience patient care approaches not always demonstrated in university centres. Likewise, continuing education programmes geared to practicing physicians should be expanded in community hospitals. In combining educational programmes with patient care and research on the delivery of health care, community hospitals can contribute significantly toward reducing the health manpower shortage. (Revised author abstract.) |