The Social Missions of Academic Health Centers

Abstract

Academic health centers have long enjoyed positions of power and prestige in the health care system. However, the restructuring of health care — exemplified by the spread of competition and managed care — threatens the intricate system of financial and clinical relations on which these institutions depend.^1,2 Although these challenges have led to considerable discussion about the appropriate role of academic health centers and how they should be organized and financed, a fundamental question is generally overlooked: Why are academic health centers worth our concern and protection? More specifically, is there any reason they should not be left to . . .