Page 2 - COM Outlook - Winter 2013
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS DIVISION
Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D.
HPD Chancellor
COM Outlook
is produced by
Nova Southeastern University
College of Osteopathic Medicine
3200 South University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2018
MANAGING EDITOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Scott Colton, B.A., APR
COM/HPD Director of Medical
Communications and Public Relations
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Debra R. Gibbs, B.A.
Medical Communications Coordinator
EDITORIAL CONTACT
Scott Colton
(954) 262-5147 (phone)
(954) 262-3887 (fax)
COM Outlook
is produced quarterly in
January, April, July, and October.
Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., Pharm.D., M.Sc.
Dean
EDITORIAL BOARD
Lynne Cawley, M.S.
Scott Colton, B.A., APR
Marti Echols, Ph.D.
Debra R. Gibbs, B.A.
Robert Hasty, D.O.
Robin Jacobs, Ph.D.
Alina Perez, J.D., M.P.H.
Jill Ross, D.O.
Debbi Cohn Steinkohl, M.H.S.A.
COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Now that the elections are over, it is time to prepare our-
selves for the outcomes of our choices. In the education field,
there is a probability that the loss of subsidized loans for
graduate and professional programs and the cap on educa-
tion loans may be reversed based on policies sponsored by
new guidelines.
It is time for all those involved to embrace change and
support inclusion because advancement in education should be one of the many ben-
efits that grows from the choices voters made. More of those who are economically
disadvantaged, or belong to underrepresented minority groups, may be able to at-
tend college if we move to extend greater advantages to all. These proposed changes
include offering access to citizenship and educational benefits to students born in
other countries who were brought here as children. I also expect that social security,
health care, and other benefits will continue to be extended to couples who are com-
mitted to each other.
Changes in health care pose new challenges as leaders seek to expand benefits to
include most, if not all, people. Controversy continues within the medical community
regarding the impact of health care reform, and there is only random speculation
about ways to meet the challenges. Other issues of note include having children re-
main under their parents’ coverage for a longer period, which would lower overall
medical costs, and ending the penalty against preexisting conditions, which opens the
door to a larger number of insurance customers.
Logic dictates that health insurance policies cannot underwrite preexisting con-
ditions without requiring mandatory coverage for all. Without the funds from the
mandatory coverage, people would only enroll after they acquire some major illness,
making these policies unaffordable. Covering the costs of preventative care would
result in fewer people being seriously ill at a younger age and would therefore cause
a decrease in the use of medical facilities for critical care. Additionally, there would
be fewer people seeking treatment in emergency rooms, which costs so much more.
Another possible change fostered by the election is a more diplomatic approach
to international challenges, especially the road to peaceful coexistence. A decrease in
military presence throughout the world will affect the government’s financial ability
to prioritize missions by purpose and longevity. In addition, a focused negotiation and
compromise would decrease military spending and long-term medical care caused by
catastrophic war injuries.
It is highly probable there will be a decrease in expenditures balanced by an in-
crease in taxes. However, closing loopholes in the tax system will not be sufficient
to ease the nation’s ballooning debt. The discussion about increasing rates for the
wealthiest two percent—those with incomes that total over $250,000 in family in-
come after deductions—has supporters as well as detractors. Some individuals with
high incomes, including business leaders Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, are in favor
of the increase. Buffett, Gates, and other financially astute managers believe the tax
increase is necessary to establish a stronger economic position than the country has
occupied in the past.
After every election, we say these are exciting times. Whether or not this excite-
ment results in pleasure or pain, the impact will be significant for education, health
care, and the middle class.
COM
Outlook
COM Outlook . Winter 2013
Winter 2013
Volume 14, Number 1
Dean’s Message
By Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., Pharm.D., M.Sc., FACOFP dist.
