Originally published Sunday, February 4, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Plan to close government health agency irks scientists
Medical specialists and former military officials are protesting the planned dismantling of a Defense Department health agency whose origin...
The Washington Post
WASHINGTON — Medical specialists and former military officials are protesting the planned dismantling of a Defense Department health agency whose origin dates to the Civil War, saying the move would eliminate an invaluable tool in the understanding of disease.
The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) is scheduled to be broken up as part of the process that will shutter Walter Reed Army Medical Center by 2011.
With more than 800 employees, the AFIP provides pathology consultation, research and medical education for the military, other federal agencies and the civilian medical community.
It has a repository of 95 million tissue samples that helps government scientists track disease and provide second opinions in difficult pathology cases.
The agency's advocates have urged the Defense Department to consider transferring the pathology services to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. That idea has been backed by 30 groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the National Association of Medical Examiners.
Copyright © The Seattle Times Company
Obama warns of 'difficult' days in Iraq, pledges support for troops
Top Iran clerics decry election, defy supreme leader
UN official to accompany Honduran president home
Sailor recounts girl's rescue after plane crash
Obituary: Beijing opera singer inspired 'Madame Butterfly'

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new SUV? Weigh the impact your choice will have on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Man found dead in King County Jail was on trial for rape
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
778 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
246 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
148 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
111 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
107 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
102 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
87 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
71 - Anti-tax rally in Olympia attracts about 1,500
48 - Seeking your questions
42
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
- Lake Washington's sockeye run may hit a record low





