There are two weeks left in 2009, and there will be lots of holiday interruptions so the huge efforts to get agreement on a formula for national health reform, and push it through the Congress will surely go over into the New Year. Each day seems to bring additional twists and turns to the tale [...]

This week we have had a disquieting reminder of one of the challenges we face in overhauling health care in America the public are deeply distrustful of experts. The US Preventive Services Task Force an appointed body of leading clinicians and scientists issued a new recommendation of when women ought to have mammograms. Because it [...]

Fall has most assuredly arrived in Chapel Hill. The leaves are especially colorful this year, the morning air has been crisp more than once, and, as dean of the UNC School of Medicine I had the honor of delivering my fall address to the faculty. This year provided ample reason for reflection. We have faced [...]

Friends, My blog had some technical difficulties Sunday (Oct. 11) and Monday (Oct. 12), but I'm happy to report we're back up and running. Over the past several years, this blog has been a great forum to spark discussion and share information and opinions, and it is here to stay. I look forward to continuing [...]

Last week, President Obama spoke to a joint session of Congress about health reform, and polling afterwards has shown an upturn in support for him and for his recommendations for overhauling health care in America. Today, Senator Max Baucus, the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, unveiled his long-awaited proposal. I continue to believe the [...]

Today the news is filled with stories about the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts from an incurable brain tumor. During his almost fifty years in the Congress, Senator Kennedy has been a dominant leader in so many areas of our national life health and health care, education, civil rights, and on and on. [...]

Several people have asked me in the past few days for my perspective on what's happening to health reform in Washington.

For what it's worth, here goes

We flew home overnight – and arrived today at RDU. It was simply a wonderful trip – we learned a lot, we saw the UNC global health partnership in action and we got to know a bit about the people and history of Peru.

Today was our last full day in Cuzco. It was low-key and pleasant. We went on a driving tour of several sites south of Cuzco, including a beautiful old church, a large pre-Incan site and an elaborate Incan structure. This visit has really taught me a lot about the history and culture of Peru. It [...]

Today we went to Machu Picchu. It is called one of the seven wonders of the modern world — and now I know why. It was an incredible experience. I am sure it will be the highpoint of our entire trip to Peru. We took a half hour bus ride, a three hour train ride, [...]