Donor Spotlight on David B. Nash, M.D., M.B.A.

This month’s Donor Spotlight is on David B. Nash, M.D., M.B.A. Dr. Nash was named the founding dean of the Jefferson College of Population Health (JCPH) in 2008. Dr. Nash is a board-certified internist who is internationally recognized for his work in public accountability for outcomes, physician leadership development, and quality-of-care improvement. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and edited 23 books. He is also a member of AMGA Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Foundation: AMGA Foundation’s Vision 2025 is to improve the health of 100 million Americans by 2025 by advancing and growing current programs that tackle chronic conditions and address health disparities and the social determinants of health. How does this vision align with your vision and strategy, especially in the midst of COVID-19?

Nash: When we look at things pre-COVID-19, Jefferson College of Population Health (JCPH) focuses on many of the same aspects as the AMGA Foundation initiatives: addressing health disparities, social determinants of health, and chronic conditions. As Founding Dean Emeritus of JCPH, I worked to build a scholarship program, created and expanded the Population Health Management journal, and initiated and grew the Population Health Colloquium. All of these vital elements helped integrate population health into the lexicon and fabric of health care today. During COVID-19, great disparities and huge gaps in care were called to our attention, and the pandemic put a spotlight on health disparities. AMGA Foundation’s and JCPH’s vision and goals are completely aligned. I enjoy working on efforts that I’m passionate about and have been working on the core elements of AMGA Foundation’s vision for the last 12 years since the founding of the College on 09.09.09. 

Foundation: As a leading population health expert, what advice can you offer AMGA Foundation and AMGA members in overcoming any challenges we may face in the journey to fulfilling our Vision 2025?

Nash: My advice is twofold: Don’t let loud negative voices get us off track. The cacophony that value-based care is not the right approach is distracting. We need to stick to the knitting and structure and embrace value-based care as the answer. Additionally, we need to put more energy and emphasis on graduate medical education (GME) today to help build the doctors of tomorrow. Obviously, AMGA Foundation is not in the business of GME, but these vital GME programs will train primary care physicians with a deep understanding of population health, fostering future leaders and key collaborators for AMGA Foundation initiatives. 

Foundation: As an AMGA Foundation Board Member, what is the greatest contribution the Foundation has made to improve health care and health outcomes for patients?

Nash: AMGA Foundation has a difficult job of keeping many issues front and center. The day-to-day running of a medical group must be balanced with quality population health programs.  The Foundation Board has this vision as it seeks to improve health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions whose treatment encompasses the majority of healthcare costs. The Foundation’s mission is the conscience of where we know we need to go. The Foundation’s work is the true north, the compass, and we recognize that it is difficult, at times, to bring the rest along. We are a good example of management versus leadership. Leaders successfully bring people around the next corner, while at the same time making sure the organization is financially successful.   

Foundation: What led you to make a generous financial commitment to AMGA Foundation and why would you encourage others to do the same?

Nash: I believe it is a symbol of good leadership. I want to set a good example for others who have the means to contribute to an important organization that will lead us to solving these problems. It gives me credibility to ask others to give and to reflect on where we are going. I think back to a notebook I had in school in 1969, and on the cover it read, “If you’re not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” I want to be part of the solution.