The Center of German and European Studies at the University of Minnesota will host a health care forum June 5 and 6 bringing together leading German and American experts to exchange best practices and experiences. Both countries face similar challenges, but within very different structures.

The June 5 program is titled, “Universal Healthcare?: Access, Quality, Affordability - Experiences and Best Practices in Germany and the USA.” The June 6 program is titled, “Keeping Drug Costs Affordable - Experiences and Best Practices in Germany and the USA.”

Experts participating are: Dr. Richard Bruzek, vice president of pharmacy services, HealthPartners; Ulrich Dietz, drug coverage, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Security, Berlin; Dr. Rainer Hess, chairman of the joint committee (G-BA), Germany; Dr. Gary Oftedahl, president and medical director, Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement; Ann Robinow, vice president and general manager, patient choice, Medica; Ulla Schmidt, minister of health and Social Security, Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin; Dr. Stephen W. Schondelmeyer, director, PRIME Institute, University of Minnesota; Dr. Steven Sheingold, Office of Health Policy, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.,; and Roby C. Thompson, Jr., MD., CEO, University of Minnesota Physicians.

The Center for German & European Studies at the University of Minnesota promotes trans-Atlantic dialogue on public issues of major common concern. The June 2006 conference is part of a new CGES initiative “American and German Healthcare” and brings together leading figures in both the United States and Germany to discuss best practices of respective systems and major challenges each faces in the coming years.

Full program details are available at www.cges.umn.edu/outreach/healthcare.htm or by calling 612/626-7705. Senior Federation members are eligible for the student/faculty reduced fee admission of $80 for the entire forum. Simply state you are a Federation member when you register.