Press Herald publishes President Danielle Ripich's column on universities' critical role in health care reform

The Portland Press Herald on Nov. 20, 2012 published a Maine Voices column by Â鶹´«Ã½President Danielle N. Ripich, Ph.D., titled "Universities have much to contribute to transformation of health care."

Citing examples from UNE, President Ripich explains that universities must respond to the demands of health care reform, which include the need for an expanded health care workforce, the evolving role of the health care work force, the importance of interprofessional education, and the necessity that primary health care providers have core competencies of public health. She also explains the importance of universities' role, as large employers, to commit to further improving health practices in the workplace.

"Whether we are producing health professionals to address work force shortages, leading the transformation of health care practices, or addressing the health of its students and employees, universities play a vital role in the changing complexion of health care in Maine and nationally."

About the Â鶹´«Ã½

The Â鶹´«Ã½ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.