New forum looks at the quality and costs of health care

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“Health Care—We All Care” is a forum that brings together leaders from all health care constituencies throughout Michigan and the United States. Its goal is to break down health care silos and develop a multidisciplinary approach to solving health care problems.

The first event in this series—“Better Healthcare at a More Manageable Cost”—takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Biomedical Science Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Place in Ann Arbor. Speakers include President Mary Sue Coleman and Dr. Robert Kelch, executive vice president for medical affairs.

A panel discussion moderated by Guy Gordon, news anchor at Detroit’s WDIV-TV 4, follows. Panelists include: 

• Vernice Davis Anthony, president and chief executive officer, Greater Detroit Area Health Council.

• U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton.

• Dr. Thomas Simmer, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

• Dr. Walter J. Talamonti, Ford Motor Co. medical director, clinical operations.

Sponsored by the University and Pfizer Inc., future events will follow the same format by enabling a keynote speaker and a small group of panelists to focus on a specific health issue. The forum series is free and open to the public, and will conclude with comments and questions.