2 Figures are for two graduating classes and include senior students reported in 1946 Educational Number. The CHAIRMAN. Any further questions or observations, gentlemen? STATEMENT OF DR. JOHNSON MCGUIRE, CARDIAC LABORATORY, CINCINNATI GENERAL HOSPITAL, CINCINNATI, OHIO The CHAIRMAN. The next witness will be Dr. Johnson McGuire, cardiac laboratory, Cincinnati General Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. MCGUIRE. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee. The CHAIRMAN. I will have to ask another member of the committee to take over the presiding duties while I attend a meeting of the Rules Committee. I will return as quickly as possible. Dr. MCGUIRE. I have a very brief statement which incorporates my views with reference to these various bills and a final statement with reference to H. R. 6007, which I have not had an opportunity to read before making the following comments with reference to the other bills. Progress in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, which at present unquestionably is the captain of the men of death in the United States, is greatly handicapped by lack of adequate financial support. The bills enumerated above have as their objective a plan for an organization as well as financial assistance to support studies directed toward a reduction of mortality and morbidity from heart disease. I think no one could disagree with such objectives. Concerning the ideal methods for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in the most efficient and economical manner certain comments seem pertinent. The fact should be emphasized that certain institutions, namely, the medical schools of nearly all universities, are already hard at work on problems related to cardiovascular disease and with proper financial support are capable of carrying on at a greatly accelerated pace the clinical and research studies enumerated as desirable objectives in the various bills. Furthermore it is believed that the National Research Council through its various committees is eminently qualified to recommend the recipients of grants-in-aid who would utilize such funds most effectively. Assuming that the above statements are correct it seems logical that a central coordinating agency under the Surgeons General of the Public Health Service should be established with the primary function of integrating the various problems under investigation. Since numerous cardiac laboratories and heart stations are already in functional operation in many of the universities and hospitals the question arises as to whether the construction of a hospital and research laboratory at the National Heart Institute is necessary. |