Let
me begin by thanking you for inviting me to be with you this evening. I am very pleased to
be a part of this important retreat. Here are 5 points to ponder as context for your next
retreat:
* Things are in a bad way.
* The challenges before us and that lie ahead are immense… and we are
not ready.
* The chance to succeed – if we do the right thing is extraordinary and unprecedented in
history.
* Schools of Public Health can – and I believe must – play a key role, but can only do
so by seeing its role and mission larger.
* Part of seeing your role and mission larger means accepting and valuing the fact that
teaching, research, and service are inextricably related and each is essential and none -
not one – is sufficient to play a key or major role in changing what is and what could
be with respect to the public’s health.
