The University of Iowa College of Public Health recently presented its highest honor, the Richard and Barbara Hansen Leadership Award and Distinguished Lectureship, to health care scholar Dean Stephen M. Shortell of the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health. Dean Shortell presented the 2009 Hansen Distinguished Lecture, "The Patient-Centered Medical Home: Its Role in Health Care Reform," on Friday, September 18, as part of a statewide symposium on the Patient-Centered Medical Home.

The symposium was a collaborative effort of the College of Public Health and the University of Iowa Public Policy Center.

"Dr. Shortell is an expert on organized health delivery systems in the United States," said Dean Susan Curry of the College of Public Health. "We’re delighted to honor him with this award and welcome his insights as the national debate on health care reform continues to evolve."

As well as serving as dean of the Berkeley School of Public Health, Dean Shortell is the Blue Cross of California Distinguished professor of health policy and management and professor of organizational behavior at the Berkeley’s School of Public Health and Haas School of Business.

He has conducted extensive research on institutional incentives for improving quality of care and health outcomes, particularly when related to the management of patients with chronic illness. Dean Shortell currently is studying the evaluation of quality improvement initiatives and the implementation of evidence-based medicine practices in physician organizations.

The Hansen Award is given annually by the University of Iowa College of Public Health to honor individuals who have made sustained contributions in the health field. The award recognizes exemplary leadership, high ethical standards and an enduring commitment to improving health care on a national and international level. The award and accompanying honorarium are made possible by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Barbara Hansen of Iowa City.

For more information about the award, visit www.public-health.uiowa.edu/outreach-service/hansen-award/.