March 1998 AAOS Report
Dr. Ehrlich, Hugh Downs support more U.S. research funds
Michael G. Ehrlich, MD, chairman of the Academy’s Committee on Research,
and Hugh Downs, anchor of ABC News "20/20," urged a House subcommittee
hearing on appropriations for the National Institute of Arthritis,
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) on Feb. 4 to continue federal
support for musculoskeletal research. Downs, who is 76 years old, told
how bilateral knee replacement had improved his life. Once unable to
walk more than a few blocks without excruciating pain, Downs said he
had resumed a productive, functional and pain-free lifestyle. Dr. Ehrlich
responded to questions about scientific issues. He also presented a statement
that described the scope and impact of musculoskeletal disorders on the public. He said the Academy urged the subcommittee to provide $316 million in fiscal year 1999 for NIAMS. Dr. Ehrlich said the Academy supports the proposal of the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research Funding that calls for a 15 percent
increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health.