Social work in the academic medical center: advanced training--a necessity.

Although the total number of social workers within the academic medical center will probably decrease because of decreasing hospital bed usage, the role for those who remain will be that of a clinical specialist, a sophisticated and adaptable practitioner who can work flexibly under minimal supervision. The valued social work practitioner will be an 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 program.