RWJF produces ADVANCES®, a quarterly newsletter reporting on the Foundation’s programs, priorities and people. To subscribe to ADVANCES, or to register to receive RWJF publications or e-mail alerts, visit www.rwjf.org/services.

Each year the Foundation and our grantees produce materials that reflect our philanthropic investments. Below is a sampling—books, book chapters, journal articles, reports, audiovisuals and newsletters—produced in 2004. Copies may not be available throughthe Foundation.

Byrd M. Rescuing the Health Workforce: Options for State Action. Washington: NGA Center for Best Practices, 2004. Available at: www.nga.org/cda/files/0401RESCUINGHEALTH.pdf.

This issue brief outlines the causes and challenge of shortages in the nursing and direct care workforce and proposes opportunities for addressing these workforce challenges.

Cooper R and Stoflet S. “Diversity and Consistency: The Challenge of Maintaining Quality in a Multidisciplinary Workforce.” Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, 9(S1): 39–47, 2004.

This paper examines the evidence for the clinical effectiveness of non-physician clinicians across a range of disciplines, and addresses whether quality can be maintained in a multidisciplinary workforce.

Lowe J and Pechura CM. “The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Commitment to Increasing Minorities in the Health Professions.” In To Improve Health and Health Care, Vol. VII, Isaacs S and Knickman J (eds.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004. Available at: www.rwjf.org/files/publications/books/2004/chapter_06.html.

After their historical synopsis of the Foundation’s grantmaking to increase diversity in the health professions, the authors offer general observations and conclusions. Increasing the numbers of minorities who prepare for college and graduate health programs remains a high priority for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

McDade SA, Richman RC, et al. “Effects of Participation in the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program on Women Faculty’s Perceived Leadership Capabilities.” Academic Medicine, 79(4): 302–309, 2004.

While the proportion of women both attending and teaching at medical schools has increased substantially, there is still a gender gap in medical academia between women and men in leadership positions. This article presents findings of a study measuring the impact of participation in the ELAM Program.

Schroen A, Brownstein M, et al. “Women in Academic General Surgery.” Academic Medicine, 79(4): 310–318, 2004.

Although modest increases in the number of female faculty in U.S. medical schools emerged between 1985 and 2001, disparities still exist between men and women in academic advancement and opportunity. The authors suggest that because substantial resources are required to train surgeons, departments should make faculty career development a high priority, regardless of gender.

Stone RI. “The Direct Care Worker: A Key Dimension of Home Care Policy.” Home Health Care Management and Practice, 16(5): 339–349, 2004.

This article describes the direct care workforce, highlighting key factors that contribute to high turnover rates among workers and outlining opportunities to recruit and retain high-quality workers.