Thursday, April 23, 2009

Dartmouth in DC

Staying current on healthcare reform is a key focus at TDI. We read the recent journal articles, white papers, and policy briefs that guide key decision makers in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere. Our instructors also keep us abreast of happenings since they influence these debates directly (see the 2nd headline here re: Dr. Fisher's testimony: North Shore LIJ Health System testifies before House Ways and Means Committee...). Sometimes though, it's hard to keep up with how the theories we talk about in class here in New Hampshire are applied.

Julie Lewis stepped in today to show how TDI works in the real world. She spoke at the Dartmouth Medical School about the stimulus package, and how she and other TDI leaders are advising politicians on what to do with the healthcare-related financial outlays in the bill. Julie is very connected to what's going on in Washington. She has worked with Nancy Pelosi to direct quality improvement policy for the American College of Surgeons. Julie now serves as Director of Health Policy at TDI and manages TDI's partnership with the Brookings Institution. She's also very accessible to students. I've met with her a few times to review my resume and plan job-search strategies. Julie showed how relevant TDI is in today's healthcare reform debates, and she's part of the reason why it's exciting to be a TDI student right now.

-Sam W.

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