Dan Polsky
Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Health Economics and Policy, Bloomberg School of Public Health and Carey Business School
Director, Hopkins Business of Health Initiative
Tell us a little bit about your research. How does it contribute to the overall goal of HBHI?
My research seeks to raise the understanding of access to health care in the US. I focus on identifying when health insurance can facilitate access to care and when it can make it more difficult. I look specifically at private insurance companies that manage care under publicly funded programs.
Striving for a health system where private firms are aligned with national health system goals of better health under limited budgets is a goal of my own research and the mission of HBHI.
What would you say most motivates you to do what you do? What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work?
I am motivated by addressing the challenge of having a high-quality national health system that is accessible and affordable for everyone.
Tell us about a current project you are working on and what potential impacts do the findings have? What makes you excited about it?
Since coming to Hopkins almost three years ago, I have been working to establish HBHI as an organization that unites the faculty across all divisions of Johns Hopkins University in pursuing of the knowledge that can drive solutions for shaping a quality national health system that is accessible and affordable for everyone.
Tell us about a project you are working on with other HBHI colleagues.
My passion of the moment is the Medicare and Medicare Advantage Data Lab. Every month a group of HBHI experts from Medicine, Carey, Nursing, and Public Health get together to support each other in developing new grants and papers in this area.
What have you learned so far from being a part of HBHI?
I have witnessed the many strengths of Johns Hopkins University across all parts of the campus and the multiplier effect of uniting these strengths towards a common purpose.
In your opinion, where are the greatest opportunities to improving the American health care system? How can HBHI contribute?
There are few intellectual spaces where public health, medicine, nursing, and business all meet to pursue common goals and innovative solutions rest in this collaborative space. Establishing this space at the finest academic institution in health creates a transformational opportunity for the American Health System.
For fun: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Machu Pitchu. It is the most peaceful place on earth.
