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Orthopedic Surgeons, Patients Advocate for NIH Funding Increase
Written by Laura Miller | June 02, 2011
Last Thursday, orthopedic surgeons, patients and researchers visited Capitol Hill to encourage members of Congress to maintain President Obama's budget proposal, which includes a 3.2 percent increase in funding to the National Institute of Health for the next fiscal year, according to an AAOS Now report.
There were 23 members in the group, including patients suffering from conditions such as trauma and osteogenesis imperfecta, advocating for the increase in NIH funding. The patients relayed stories about their conditions and the clinical research that made their treatment possible.
The federal funding for NIH currently supports more than 3,000 high-paying research positions at universities, research institutions and NIH laboratories, according to a letter sent to Congressional members. Musculoskeletal diseases can cost $850 billion to the economy annually and represent nearly 8 percent of the gross domestic product. Additional research and NIH funding could produce more efficient and cost-effective care.
Read the report on orthopedic research advocacy.
Related Articles on Orthopedic Advocacy:
5 Points on Spine Patient Advocacy
U.S. Bone and Joint Decade Continues Efforts Under New Name
AAOS President Dr. Daniel Berry: 4 Thoughts on the Future
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