aamc.org does not support this web browser.

    Advancing the Academic Health System for the Future

    In early 2013, the AAMC's Health Care Affairs Unit, working with Manatt Health Solutions, initiated a study to create a vision of the future clinical enterprise at academic medical centers (AMCs). Under the guidance of the Advisory Panel for Health Care, AAMC and Manatt staff developed a framework for leadership that will help AMCs move to a sustainable model in the future.

    Download the report

    View Project Framework

    Background

    Over the last two decades academic medical centers (AMCs) have significantly expanded their clinical faculty and patient care services by building sophisticated inpatient facilities and ambulatory care centers.  As a result of this growth, AMCs have been able to leverage their size, unique services, and market prominence in contract negotiations with commercial and other payers. Passage of the Affordable Care Act signaled a mind shift on the part of the federal government as the largest health care payer, soon to be echoed by private insurers, to shift to value-based reimbursement.

    To address and examine the changes affecting academic medical centers in this new environment, in early 2013 the initiated a study effort with the intent of developing a framework for clinical leadership that will guide AMCs as they embark on this journey to a sustainable future in which research and teaching continue to be core missions.  Tough questions this project has attempted to answer include:

    • What will the academic medical center clinical system of the future look like and how will it contribute to population health? 
    • How will the relationships between medical centers and faculty practices need to evolve?
    • How will AMCs relate to community based affiliates?
    • What internal processes and organization models will be necessary to undertake the many changes needed?
       

    To address these questions, the Advisory Panel reviewed profiles of 13 institutions felt to be representative of emerging leaders.

    The AAMC and Advisory Panel hopes this report will promote useful discussion within the leadership of AMCs and serves as a stimulant for undertaking the challenging work of meaningful change – towards an academic health system for the future.

    For more information please contact:

    Janis Orlowski, M.D., M.A.C.P.
    Chief Health Care Officer
    Telephone: 202-828-0562
    Email: jorlowski@aamc.org

    Ivy Baer, J.D., M.P.H.
    Senior Director and Regulatory Counsel
    Telephone: 202-828-0499
    Email: ibaer@aamc.org