A study conducted in Cleveland, Ohio, is presented which explores the characteristics and rehabilitation problems of a metropolitan tuberculous population. The study was based on a random sample of 384 adult Cleveland city residents, drawn from the TB medical case register. On the basis of the findings, four sub groups of patients were identified. Three of these-the “family isolates,” the “anomic”, and the “otherwise ill”-were shown to be highly disadvantaged socio-economically, and to have especially reduced potential for successful rehabilitation. The fourth group-the “normals”-were also disadvantaged, but had much higher rates of successful rehabilitation. The problem of unemployment emerged as one of the most serious besetting the tuberculous patient. The patient’s age, lack of previous skills, the stereotyped image of the tuberculous and contemporary theories of work suitability frequently militated against his/ her successful rehabilitation. Recommendations include changes in the institutional structure to provide a more supportive institutional environment for the patients and, provision of basic skills in conjunction with a program of specific vocational training.