Katherine Gergen (left) was among the students at the School of Medicine, who had the opportunity to meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala following the Cabinet member's lecture there on Oct. 7. Later that day, Shalala spoke at the Law School about her department's work to draft a policy ensuring the privacy of patients' medical records.

Shalala stresses importance of keeping Medicare healthy

Before a packed audience of School of Medicine students, faculty and staff, Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala outlined key areas where Medicare must be improved in order for the program to benefit future generations. In her talk, "Keeping The Promise: Strengthening Medicare for the 21st Century," Shalala provided a brief history of how Medicare has improved the lives of millions of Americans, and offered ideas for keeping it alive. According to Shalala, the baby boom is quickly becoming the senior boom, with the number of elderly Americans expected to double by the year 2030. Steps have to be taken to preserve the program that was signed into law 35 years ago by President Johnson, she contends. "Most Americans would not be able to send their kids to college or buy a house if they had to purchase healthcare for elderly grandparents or parents or any family member over the age of 65," Shalala said. "The healthcare needs of older Americans are best met through an insurance system that spreads risk fairly, and that allows patients to choose their own healthcare provider." Shalala added, "The insurance has to be affordable and available to every American. In essence, it should be universal. The federal government has an obligation to make this system work, to see to it that all of America's elderly -- regardless of health or income -- are able to be shareholders in this insurance system." Medicare has been in danger of bankruptcy, but through initiatives by the Clinton administration, it has been protected for at least the next 16 years, Shalala said. But as the number of people who will rely on the program doubles, more revenue will be needed. "In the wealthiest nation on Earth, too many of our citizens are being forced to choose between putting food on the table or filling their prescriptions," Shalala said. Shalala also stressed the need for funding to academic medical institutions. She said they have been cut back too far and as a result, graduate medical education has been underfunded. Shalala's medical school talk was sponsored by the Samuel O. Thier, M.D. Lectureship, established in 1997 in honor of the Yale physician who has been a major spokesperson on health policy and its impact on academic institutions. Thier served 11 years as chair of the department of internal medicine and was a Sterling Professor of Medicine. He is currently chief executive officer of Partners HealthCare Systems, Inc. Past Samuel O. Thier speakers include Dr. David Kessler, dean of the Yale School of Medicine and Dr. William Kelley, chief executive officer and dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. After her talk at the medical school, Shalala went on to deliver an afternoon lecture at the Law School titled "Public Service and Private Records: Making Sure We Have Both." In that lecture, Shalala stressed the importance of keeping medical records private. Noting that there are no federal laws concerning what can be done with medical records, Shalala noted that the Department of Health and Human Services is currently drafting a policy regulating the release of such records. Shalala's Law School talk was sponsored by the Harper Fellowship, which each year brings to campus "a person who has made a distinguished contribution to the life of the nation." -- By Karen Peart T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S University Library begins major expansion of its Orbis database 'Communications mogul John Malone offers advice to students: 'Be willing to take risks' Nursing School venture will help elderly residents to stay healthy Shalala stresses importance of keeping Medicare healthy Pataki applauds virtues of 'compassionate conservatism' Serving society must be a central goal for universities, says Rodin Edelman recalls mentors at Yale and elsewhere in new book Student seeks to raise awareness about scoliosis through book City and Yale managers learn new leadership skills in joint program 'Mesmerizing' drama about marital infidelity opens at the Rep Drama School stages German play that has been likened to 'Hamlet' Scientists' test screens for a newly discovered tick-borne disease The 'amazing' human eye is the focus of the 'VISION' exhibit Yale center testing drug to prevent cancer-causing infection New test offered at Yale identifies women at risk for cervical cancer Enhancements to Orbis-on-the-Web make it faster, more detailed Exhibit traces the history and evolution of Yale library catalogs Health students will describe their research overseas Divinity School fellowships honor individuals' work for social justice Campaign aims to reduce bike thefts Engineering program honors John Malone and Robert Grober Meeting to focus on libraries' future renovations Union meetings for United Way . . . 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