The effect of Public Law 94--484 on pathology residency programs

The Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 (Public Law 94--484) will affect graduate medical programs. The author surveyed directors of medical education in one major metropolitan area to study what the effects might be. With regard to pathology residency programs there are a number of important influences. For example, there will be fewer foreign medical graduates available to study in United States pathology programs. However, those who do come may be of higher quality. Also, owing to financial incentives to increase primary care, medical schools and hospitals may show less interest in the development of speciality programs such as pathology. The changing environment poses challenges to pathology directors to maintain or improve their programs.