B. Berkman et al., SOCIAL-WORK IN THE ACADEMIC-MEDICAL-CENTER - ADVANCED TRAINING - A NECESSITY, Social work in health care, 24(1-2), 1996, pp. 115-135
Although the total number of social workers within the academic medica
l center will probably decrease because of decreasing hospital bed usa
ge, the role for those who remain will be that of a clinical specialis
t, a sophisticated and adaptable practitioner who can work flexibly un
der minimal supervision. The valued social work practitioner will be a
n independent player on the health care team who assumes a significant
role which no other member of that team is equipped to take. Advanced
training is more important today than ever before in the evolution of
social work practice in academic health care. However, this training
is not now available within the parameters of the two year master's pr
ogram.