Pursuing Excellence in Healthcare

Much as it is with the nation's overall healthcare system, the survival of academic medical centers (AMC's) is threatened by a combination of economic, cultural, and demographic factors. If AMC's are to survive to fill their societal responsibilities, they must adopt a new philosophy. Challenging assumptions and providing the shift in perspective that a resolution of this crisis requires, Arthur Feldman PhD, MD provides us with a thoroughly researched and forward-thinking volume that all those concerned with healthcare must read. This brilliant manifesto will help physicians, policymakers, analysts, and regulators understand the challenges faced by today's AMCs. But more importantly, Pursuing Excellence in Healthcare: Preserving America's Academic Medical Centers offers a cogent, viable plan that will reestablish the leadership role that AMCs need to play in providing Americans with the best possible care.

SPHERE OF ACTION 1: STRUCTURE. Integrating the Diverse Structures of the AMC. Integrating Clinical Care Delivery Systems. Leadership in the Academic Medical Center. SPHERE OF ACTION II: RE-SEARCH. Fixing the "Broken Pipeline" of AMC Scientists. Resolving Conflicts of Interest. Commercializing Research Discoveries. SPHERE OF ACTION III: EDUCATION. Resolving the Physician Workforce Crisis. The Changing Demographics of America's AMCs. Teaching Medical Professionalism in the AMC. SPHERE OF ACTION IV: BUSINESS. Financing the Missions of the AMC. Developing Strategic Regional and Global Collaborations. Insuring Governmental Support and Oversight of the AMC. CONCLUSION.