Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #122383

Leonard Karp, President and CEO, Philadelphia International Medicine Management & Development, 121 S. Broad St., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-735-3989, marty_makinen@abtassoc.com

With trade talks commencing this week in Hong Kong, and discussions on Free Trade Agreements heating up, health care's role globally as an economic driver is growing. The exportation of health care services was one of the fastest growing components of the U.S. export economy in the last decade, and is again showing signs of growth.

American medical centers are facing tougher competition from global organizations in the development of health care as an export, and are facing considerable barriers as they seek new opportunities.

Health care's dual role as an essential human service and a factor in a nation's economy are often not in harmony. However, international health care can create a win-win situation that improves health outcomes and opportunities.

Other trade issues, such as agriculture, dominate discussions in Hong Kong and elsewhere with barriers to development of international health care taking a back seat. However, when discussions do focus on health care, these complicated issues must balance the dual and sensitive roles of health care.

Leonard Karp, president and CEO of Philadelphia International Medicine Management & Development, formed by academic medical centers in Philadelphia to seek global opportunities in hospital development and management, training and education, consulting and delivery of clinical services, will present the experiences of his organization and highlight the status of trade discussions.

Learning Objectives:

• See session overview.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered