The Director, in consultation with an Advisory Committee, sets the Center’s agenda. Faculty whose research is sponsored by the Center, and who engage in Center activities, retain their primary appointments in the schools and departments of the University. The Center sponsors their studies and analyses, assists in obtaining external support and provides a forum for discussion and opportunities for collaboration, as well as access to relevant databases, consultative expertise and information sources. The Center engages the participation of these individuals through multiple mechanisms and announces sponsoring research in specific areas, including a pilot grant program. Current faculty interests include: disparities in access, high and rising employee costs, health insurance – medical research interrelationships, support of academic health centers, medical workforce and education, Medicare and Medicaid reform and pharmaceutical costs. The Center sponsors and overseee educational activities in various Washington University schools by teaching courses initiated by the Center, contributing to existing courses and providing educational experiences in the community at large. A degree-granting program may be developed in the future.