Health Policy & Organizational Strategy | Executive and Continuing Professional Education | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Programs

Leadership Development to Advance Equity in Health Care
- November 1 – 4, 2022
Traditional medical education lacks training on how the health care system is influenced by racism and how outdated policies perpetuate disparities. This program will teach you how to confront and remediate unfair practices and advance health equity in your community or practice.
Foundations of Mental Health Care
- May 2, 2023 – June 1, 2023
This program will focus on understanding the mental health needs of diverse populations, across the life course, from relatively healthy to those who are ill, and from vulnerable groups to the privileged.
Preparing for What’s Next in U.S. Health Reform

News & Resources

How Organizations Can Make Better Use of Limited Resources for More Effective Mental Health Services

It’s a well-known fact that, even in high-income countries like the United States, mental health resources are insufficient to address the overall mental health need. Waiting time to see a mental health specialist is usually from several weeks to several months. In practice, this means that there are fewer specialists able to see potential and … Continue reading “How Organizations Can Make Better Use of Limited Resources for More Effective Mental Health Services”

Posted on September 20, 2022
The Changing Face of Worker Safety, Health, and Well-Being in a Post-Pandemic Future

It’s not a surprise: the COVID-19 pandemic has changed worker health and safety in permanent ways. From the rise of remote work and manufacturing automation to the effects of burnout and unsafe working environments, we experience work differently. For workers who can do their jobs remotely, they’ve still been able to maintain a modicum of … Continue reading “The Changing Face of Worker Safety, Health, and Well-Being in a Post-Pandemic Future”

Posted on March 7, 2022
Why Leadership in Mental Health Care Is Needed Now More Than Ever—and How to Implement Change

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted population mental health. Among the many negative impacts, it has led to sickness and bereavement, increased uncertainty, decreased human connection, and lost opportunities for work and education. However, it has led to important discoveries, too. Societally, we have a greater acknowledgement that mental health is critically important and that … Continue reading “Why Leadership in Mental Health Care Is Needed Now More Than Ever—and How to Implement Change”

Posted on February 16, 2022
It’s More Important Than Ever for Physician Leaders to Develop Financial Literacy—Here’s How to Start

Financial literacy will always be an important skill for a physician leader. But now, because of the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and the unique demands it imposes on budgets, the skill set is even more critical. Understanding how resources are allocated and how to negotiate and self-advocate during financial discussions has never been more important. … Continue reading “It’s More Important Than Ever for Physician Leaders to Develop Financial Literacy—Here’s How to Start”

Posted on December 14, 2021
Risk Analysis in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Weighing the Cost and Benefits of Vaccines and Masks

Every single day, people take risks. They drive in cars and fly in airplanes, expose themselves to environmental pollution and so much more. While some of these public health risks are so integrated into our lives that we’ve stopped worrying about them, other risks—such as engaging in activities that increase your likelihood of contracting COVID-19—can … Continue reading “Risk Analysis in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Weighing the Cost and Benefits of Vaccines and Masks”

Posted on November 7, 2021
Putting the Drug Debate into Context: the State of Pharmaceutical Cost Reform in the U.S.

U.S. medical care has experienced huge and unsustainable spending increases—especially in drug prices—for decades. Under the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration accelerated the value-based care movement to address key spending categories such as hospital and physician care. Value-based purchasing seeks to reduce spending by improving quality and efficiency to address unnecessary costs. Most stakeholders … Continue reading “Putting the Drug Debate into Context: the State of Pharmaceutical Cost Reform in the U.S.”

Posted on January 8, 2020
The Need to Treat the Ailing U.S. Pharmaceutical Pricing System

Prescription drug prices in the U.S. have been rising at an alarming rate, contributing to the nation’s high health care costs. This concerns policy makers at the state and federal levels, prompting exploration of new options to get a better handle on costs while maintaining Americans’ access to pharmacological innovations. Putting Drug Prices into Context … Continue reading “The Need to Treat the Ailing U.S. Pharmaceutical Pricing System”

Posted on March 14, 2019
How Health Care Executives Can Lead for Success in the Post-ACA Era

Uncertainty and rapid change continue to impact the U.S. health care sector, with questions persisting about the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and U.S. health reform in the Trump era. This is a period of shifting priorities. Consider the new partnership involving Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase to launch their own health … Continue reading “How Health Care Executives Can Lead for Success in the Post-ACA Era”

Posted on April 18, 2018
The ACA Is Still Alive and Still in Danger

Today the ACA is still alive. Donald Trump’s campaign boast that he would sign a bill repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) on his inauguration day is long gone and forgotten. House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s gamble that by April 28th the ACA would be effectively decimated using the expedited … Continue reading “The ACA Is Still Alive and Still in Danger”

Posted on May 1, 2017
Exploring the Next Phase of Health Care Reform: How Health Care Leaders Can Position Their Organizations for Success

These are uncertain times in American health care. The Republican Congress and President Trump have vowed to repeal and replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly called Obamacare. They recently unveiled the American Health Care Act, the replacement plan, which has met with substantial resistance from all parts of the political spectrum. … Continue reading “Exploring the Next Phase of Health Care Reform: How Health Care Leaders Can Position Their Organizations for Success”

Posted on March 24, 2017
Vaccinating Against an Epidemic: The Story of an Ebola Vaccine

In August 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak then raging in West Africa a “public health emergency of international concern,” a formal designation by the WHO’s Emergency Committee that reflects the fact that the disease was spreading internationally and posed a risk to other countries yet unaffected. By the time the … Continue reading “Vaccinating Against an Epidemic: The Story of an Ebola Vaccine”

Posted on July 21, 2016
Snapshot of the American Pharmaceutical Industry

The passage of the Affordable Care Act has been profitable for pharmaceutical companies in the U.S., with more Americans now having access to prescription drugs. But as this article explores, there are many complexities inherent in the drug industry that need to be addressed moving forward.

Posted on July 14, 2016
Tuberculosis in Rural America: What Tuberculosis in Marion, AL Tells Us

Many factors could be blamed for the spread of tuberculosis in a rural Alabama town earlier this year, including its residents’ fears of being stigmatized in a small town, poverty line, and the legacy of the Tuskegee experiments.

Posted on March 28, 2016
Staying Relevant in the Midst of Health Care Reform: A Primer for Healthcare Executives

Dr. John McDonough, Professor of Public Health Practice at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, discusses the Affordable Care Act, health reform, and the changing health care landscape.

Posted on November 6, 2015
Equipping Physicians To Manage The Rapidly Evolving World of Health Care

On Mother’s Day, 2003, 5-year-old Matthew Siravo, who had epilepsy, died at Boston Children’s Hospital, two days after suffering a seizure that lasted an hour and a half. Siravo’s story made headlines in the local news, and in September of that year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued what The Boston Globe called “a … Continue reading “Equipping Physicians To Manage The Rapidly Evolving World of Health Care”

Posted on February 25, 2015