December Meeting

The end of the year CEO/Trustee luncheon held at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt brought together area healthcare CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Trustees, Department Heads and Council Associates. The featured speaker was James D. Bentley, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Strategic Policy Planning for the AHA. Dr. Bentley presented a PowerPoint presentation titled "Looking Ahead...An AHA Update". Council Chairman Michael Barch presided.

Dr. Bentley talked about the upcoming elections and the pending changes these elections will likely have on healthcare providers.

Dr. Bentley spelled out problems such as the uninsured, limited health plan choices, variations in practice patterns and high costs. He challenged us all to provide a better health system for our children and grandchildren. He spoke of how today’s system is not our future because it doesn’t work like it did thirty years ago. He emphasized our many strengths that can be utilized to build a better system and outlined a framework for change. How important cooperation and engagement of all can create a national framework for reform.

Dr. Bentley ended his presentation with a lively question and answer session. The group thanked Dr. Bentley for an inspiring talk with a robust round of applause.