Epidemiologist to Discuss Failing U.S. Health-Care System

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A nationally renowned physician and epidemiologist with an extensive background in health-services research and quality improvement will present the fall lecture of the 2007-08 Buffalo Center for Social Research Distinguished Scholars Series sponsored by the University at Buffalo School of Social Work.

Thomas M. Vogt, M.D., M.P.H., senior investigator for the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Hawaii, will discuss "Quality, Costs and Special Interests: Can We Change Our Behavior in Time to Save U.S. Health Care?" from 2-3:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 in the Buffalo Niagara Marriott, 1340 Millersport Hwy., Amherst.

His presentation will look at the underlying causes of the United States' failing health-care system and consider potential remedies, including the role of electronic medical records and behavior changes that are needed among the general public; the health-care system, its culture and structure; and the legislative and regulatory processes.

In addition, Vogt will discuss the need for health-behavior research to expand its focus to consider how positive changes in the behaviors and cultures of populations, organizations and regulatory bodies can be achieved in order to address the extraordinary inefficiencies of U.S. health care. Without these changes, he says, financial collapse of the U.S. health system is likely within a decade.

Vogt's research focuses on improving preventive care, particularly long-term weight management, health-care quality and reducing health-care costs. He is the author of more than 125 peer-reviewed publications and three books, including "Implementing an Electronic Medical Record System: Successes, Failures, Lessons" (Oxford: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd., 2007).

He received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and his master of public health degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

For more information, call 829-3991 or email dfinnan@buffalo.edu.