Dr. Eric Larson to deliver Birnbaum Lecture Nov. 13

‘The Affordability Imperative’ will address our nation’s need to reduce disparities, address social determinants, and promote value in health care systems.

Kaiser Permanente Washington will present its annual Hilde and Bill Birnbaum Endowed Lecture on Wednesday evening, November 13 in the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle.  Eric B. Larson, MD, MPH, will give the lecture, “The Affordability Imperative: Delivering on the Promise of Health and Health Care for All.”  

A leading expert in health services, clinical research and healthy aging, Dr. Larson is has served as Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute’s (KPWHRI’s) executive director and Kaiser Permanente Washington’s vice president for research and health care innovation. He is also a professor of medicine and health services at the University of Washington and is author of Enlightened Aging: Building Resilience for Long, Active Life.

Dr. Larson’s talk will be a call to action, addressing our nation’s need to reduce disparities, address social determinants, and promote value in health care systems. He will describe the problem of affordability from a global perspective and propose solutions that need to be further developed both inside and outside Kaiser Permanente.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a reception to honor Dr. Larson as he leaves his leadership position at KPWHRI after 17 years to give more focus to his research projects.

This is the 18th time Kaiser Permanente Washington has sponsored the Birnbaum Lecture, which is funded in part by an endowment from Hilde and Bill Birnbaum, who were among the founders of Group Health Cooperative, which was acquired by Kaiser Permanente in 2017.  The event honors Hilde and Bill Birnbaum’s long-term commitment to the organization, their active participation in its founding, and their passion for using research to improve patient care.  It provides an annual opportunity for nationally prominent leaders and innovative thinkers to address the scientific and health care provider community, including Kaiser Permanente clinicians, staff, and supporters.

If you have questions about the lecture or would like to receive an invitation, please email KpwhriBirnbaumLecture@kp.org or call 206-442-5220.