In his letter "Workforce Issues" in the July 19 issue, Dr. James R. Hillard states that he "was aghast to see that APA is still lobbying Congress that 'psychiatric residency training slots should be "protected" against any reduction. . .' " and suggests that we need fewer psychiatrists.

That is an interesting suggestion in view of the fact that a few months ago, when I was trying to refer a patient (with good insurance) to any psychiatrist in Cincinnati, seven members of Dr. Hillard's department were unable to take new patients. I had to find a psychiatrist outside of Cincinnati. Apparently, some parts of the country need more, not fewer, psychiatrists.

Richard Balon, M.D.
Troy, Mich.

(Psychiatric News, September 6, 1996)