Dr. David Howes of Martin's Point to Participate in Local Panel on Health Care

Martin's Point Health Care's president and chief medial officer, David H. Howes, M.D., is participating in a panel discussion titled "Health Care and Your Money" as part of a public policy forum in October. The event, called Policy Soundings, is sponsored by the Greater Portland Chambers of Commerce and is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Radisson Eastland from 7:15 a.m to 9 a.m.

To attend this breakfast, call the Greater Portland Chambers of Commerce at 772-2811.

The keynote speaker is Don McDowell, president and CEO of MaineHealth, who will be talking about the future of health care. The reactive panelists include: David Howes, MD, president and CMO from Martin's Point Health Care; Gino Nalli, a health benefits consultant for businesses; Patricia Reilly, the executive director of the National Academy for State Health Policy; and Rep. Elaine Fuller of Manchester, a member of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee and the former director of the state's Medicaid program.

"This type of forum provides the business community, small and large employers, and healthcare professionals with the opportunity to hear what the true health care issues are," Dr. Howes said. "The topics of discussion include cost, quality, consumer expectations and prescription drugs; all enormously important to all who attend the event, personally and professionally."

David H. Howes, MD, has been president and chief medical officer of Martin's Point Health Care since 1996 and has been with the organization for 10 years. Known as a visionary in the healthcare industry, Dr. Howes has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for his innovative approaches which have transformed Martin's Point into Maine's largest, not-for-profit primary care practice.

Policy Soundings, a semi-annual forum examining important public policy issues, is presented by the Muskie School for Public Service at the University of Southern Maine and the Greater Portland Chambers of Commerce, and is sponsored by Maine Partners and Fleet Bank. It will be recorded by Maine Public Radio for rebroadcast.

Headquartered in Portland at 331 Veranda Street, Martin's Point Health Care employs 290 healthcare professionals who serve 44,000 patients at locations in Portland, Windham, Brunswick and Newington, N.H. Martin's Point, which holds a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide health care services for retired military personnel and the dependents of active duty personnel, accepts all major health plans and insurance, including but not limited to HealthSource, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, Maine Partners, Champus, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna and NYLCare Plans.

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