The leadership and management of academic health centers present challenges as complex as any in the corporate environment. A consensus is emerging about their integrated mission of education, research and service, and this book, first published in 2005 and focusing on value-driven management, provides a truly comprehensive review of these issues available. Based on reports produced by the Blue Ridge Academic Health Group, which has developed a framework for meeting the challenges of improving health in the 21st century, it also contains invited commentaries and case studies from leading authorities in and beyond the United States. It identifies the public policies and organizational practices required to maximise the health status of individuals and the population, and highlights innovative practices. It is essential reading for managers and leaders of clinical and basic science departments in academic health centers, and for all those involved in health systems management studies.