The Skills Conversion Project conducted by the National Society of Professional Engineers sought to study the transition mechanisms required to transfer available technical manpower from aerospace and defense industries into other areas of employment in private industry and public service. Fourteen study teams assessed the likelihood of future needs and utilization of technical professional manpower. In Chapter 4, health care and health service industries were studied in the Los Angeles area. Details of the study, including data summaries, references, and contacts are enumerated. Projecting to a nationwide scale, the team estimated current openings in positions suitable for transfer to be less than 1,000 each for engineers and scientists, predominantly in hospitals, manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and instruments, and government health departments. Findings indicated that to transfer any appreciable number of aerospace/defense technical professionals, the health care industry must be stimulated, both to increase significantly the number of openings and to enhance the probability of hiring aerospace/defense professionals rather than competing applicants. Stimuli to be applied include limited financing, retraining, regulation and legislation, and modification of public attitudes. Hospitals, laboratories, health maintenance organizations, and other industry components appear to be acceptable places for employment. (BL)