DePaul University’s prestigious Health Law Institute will expand its focus to include critical health issues that impact inner-city communities under the leadership of newly appointed director Nancy Shalowitz. Shalowitz will position the institute to take a national lead on urban health issues such as the disparities in healthcare access and funding, women’s and children’s health, prescription drugs and research on health issues involving the poor and people of color.

The Health Law Institute, which consistently has been ranked as one of the top 10 health law programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, was launched by DePaul’s College of Law in 1984 as a comprehensive program of interdisciplinary research and education in the field of health law. The institute provides law students, practicing attorneys and health care professionals with training in health law, as well as real-world experience through externships. It offers a Master of Law degree (LL.M.) in health law and a health law certificate while sponsoring a range of conferences, programs and seminars.

“With the world changing at such a rapid pace, DePaul’s Health Law Institute is poised to take a leadership role in maintaining a continued dialogue about the legal health issues that directly effect communities most in need,” said Wayne Lewis, acting dean of the College of Law. “The institute already fosters research and education in the area of health law by concentrating on the most vital issues of the moment, such as AIDS and physician-assisted suicide. With the appointment of Nancy Shalowitz, it will now expand its focus to include more cutting-edge legal health issues that urban areas grapple with each day.”

Shalowitz, who has been an adjunct member of the College of Law’s faculty for five years, is a practicing attorney and certified mediator. She has worked with local health care institutions and national chains as an administrator and consultant. She earned her undergraduate degree from Tufts University, holds a master’s degree in health administration from the Washington University School of Medicine and a law degree from DePaul.

Shalowitz replaces Donald H. J. Hermann as director of the institute. Hermann, who led the institute since its inception, is currently conducting research on the implications of the human genome. He will continue to teach courses in the institute. Other law school faculty members include Michele Oberman, a noted legal expert on women's health issues, and Michele Goodwin, whose expertise includes race, gender, class and religion in health care, who will serve as co-chairs, and Michael Jacobs, an internationally recognized authority on anti-trust issues in the healthcare industry.

“Changes in delivery methods and reimbursement, advancements in technology and the protection of rights have generated new law and new questions,” said Shalowitz. “It is challenging to assume leadership of the institute at a time when we can focus attention on legal issues that so greatly impact our nation—especially our urban communities. DePaul’s Health Law Institute not only educates leaders who can use the law to influence important health issues, but also sponsors conferences and discussions to keep attention on the nation’s most important legal concerns in the health care arena.”

Note to Editors: Nancy Shalowitz can be reached at 312/362-5663.