North Pacific Epilepsy Research 503-497-1091

The Importance of Genetic Privacy
A speech and paper authored by Dr. Yerby, presented to the medical staff of the Sisters of Providence Hospitals on February 4, 1997:
Information about what has already happened is not the only aspect of one's health which is no longer strictly privileged. Information about your future health in the form of genetic information is also vulnerable. Genetic information includes information about genes, gene products, or inherited characteristics that may derive from the individual or family member. While the latter has always been available, the former, information about an individual's specific genes, will soon become readily obtainable. It is this important change, the ability to collect predictive information in the form of human genes with their implied prognostic value, that places us all at risk. The risk is for new and serious forms of personal discrimination, and the risk of impeding medical science from utilizing this information for the design more effective health interventions. (1998)

MANAGED CARE: Historical Development, Ethical Dilemmas and Potential Rectification
The managed care system has created an unusual set of problems which make it inherently unethical and in the long term unworkable. This article discusses the history of managed care and important issues. Methods are suggested which if taken by physicians, patients and government can go a long way toward improving the abuses of MCOs. (February, 1998)

A Primer on the Federal Budget Process
The federal budget process is a complex and convuluted one. Its understanding is fundamental to working in and advocating for health policy. This article reviews the history of, and mechanisms by which the budget is developed. (February, 1998)

Articles by Mark S. Yerby M.D., MPH See also Articles about Epilepsy

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The Importance of Genetic Privacy A speech and paper authored by Dr. Yerby, presented to the medical staff of the Sisters of Providence Hospitals on February 4, 1997: Information about what has already happened is not the only aspect of one's health which is no longer strictly privileged. Information about your future health in the form of genetic information is also vulnerable. Genetic information includes information about genes, gene products, or inherited characteristics that may derive from the individual or family member. While the latter has always been available, the former, information about an individual's specific genes, will soon become readily obtainable. It is this important change, the ability to collect predictive information in the form of human genes with their implied prognostic value, that places us all at risk. The risk is for new and serious forms of personal discrimination, and the risk of impeding medical science from utilizing this information for the design more effective health interventions. (1998) MANAGED CARE: Historical Development, Ethical Dilemmas and Potential Rectification The managed care system has created an unusual set of problems which make it inherently unethical and in the long term unworkable. This article discusses the history of managed care and important issues. Methods are suggested which if taken by physicians, patients and government can go a long way toward improving the abuses of MCOs. (February, 1998) A Primer on the Federal Budget Process The federal budget process is a complex and convuluted one. Its understanding is fundamental to working in and advocating for health policy. This article reviews the history of, and mechanisms by which the budget is developed. (February, 1998)