Welcome and Opening Remarks (Includes all handouts from event)

Health care has a vital role in the national economy. When employment and services are considered together, health care accounts for 17% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Although the US spends more per capita annually ($2 trillion) than any other industrialized country, our nation ranks 37th in the world on many key measures of health, such as infant mortality and life expectancy. The intensifying complexity of the health care environment, combined with heightened expectations and scrutiny, has established the need and demand for professionals and researchers well-versed and prepared to assume leadership roles in health policy and population health. In an effort to engage area leaders in meaningful dialogue regarding these critical issues, the Jefferson School of Population Health and Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. partnered to host “The Future of Healthcare in Pennsylvania: Developing Leaders in Health Care Quality and Safety.” This policy forum was held on Tuesday, September 22 on the campus of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. The goal was to stimulate thought-provoking and collaborative discussions on how best to develop and prepare health care leaders and clinical professionals to effectively meet the challenges associated with health care improvement and reform. Panelists included government policy makers, educators, clinicians with leadership and governance responsibilities, and executives in health care and related industries. Topics included targeted workforce development and education; creating a climate conducive to creativity, innovation and technological advances; and fostering collaborations among the key stakeholders to address today’s complex health care environment