ACPM Selects First Resident For New Health Policy Program

8/21/2002

From: Ginger Anderson of the American College of Preventive Medicine, 202-466-2044

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The American College of Preventive Medicine is pleased to announce that it has selected Dr. William La, MD, PhD, to become the first resident to participate in the Pfizer Practicum Rotation in Health Policy and Preventive Medicine, based at ACPM's Washington, D.C. headquarters. This innovative program will give preventive medicine residents an opportunity to participate in national health policy activities in Washington, D.C.

Dr. La is a resident at the Yale-Griffin Preventive Medicine Residency Program in Derby, CT. His responsibilities at ACPM will include working with ACPM's Policy Committee to evaluate the costs and benefits of distributing potassium iodide to localities around the country to prevent thyroid disease in the event of certain types of radiological events. Dr. La will also develop policy statements and briefing materials on the public health preparedness and response implications unique to biological, chemical, and radiological events. The analyses will assist congressional and public health leaders in considering targeted and effective public health preparedness and response strategies.

According to ACPM President Dorothy S. Lane, "Through this exciting residency rotation program, ACPM is able to provide valuable training and experience to a cadre of future health care leaders -- leaders uniquely trained in both clinical medicine and in public policy development."

------ The American College of Preventive Medicine is the national professional society for physicians committed to disease prevention and health promotion. ACPM's 2,000 members are engaged in preventive medicine practice, teaching and research. ACPM advocates for the specialty of preventive medicine and for national policies that promote health and prevent disease. ACPM maintains an active presence on Capitol Hill and among the many federal agencies and non-governmental organizations that shape national health policy.

The Pfizer Practicum Rotation in Health Policy and Preventive Medicine is supported by an educational grant from Pfizer, Inc.