Allied health: economic, social, or service instrument?

Allied health as a concept has been studied by economists, educators, and others, but rarely has it been dealt with as an historical and social phenomenon. Examining the development of what is called allied health, one can see a picture of how the American health care system has evolved and, perhaps, a glimmer of its future. This article looks at some of the economical, educational, social, and public policy issues from which allied health has emerged and provides a perspective on where it could lead.