Board member spotlight: Ian Spatz

Ian D. Spatz, JD, MPA, is a health care policy consultant working for a range of for profit and nonprofit clients. He is a senior advisor to Manatt Health Solutions. In addition, Mr. Spatz founded his own firm, the Rock Creek Policy Group. Previously, he served as Vice President for Global Health Policy for Merck & Co. Inc., and has also worked in the government and nonprofit sectors. Mr. Spatz is on the faculty of the University of Southern California, where he teaches health economics and health law. Mr. Spatz has degrees from the New York University School of Law and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs of Princeton University.

1. What piqued your interest in PAN and how did you join the Board?

I’ve always been passionate about ensuring that patients get the medicines they need when they need them, and at a price they can afford. It is tragic when someone can benefit from a medicine and cannot get it. The fact that PAN is doing something about this problem led to my interest when fellow Board member, Mike O’Grady contacted me about joining the Board.

2. What would you like to accomplish during your tenure on PAN’s Board?

I want to support the hardworking staff in their mission to expand our ability to help patients afford their medicines. As a Board member, I believe I can help create the conditions that will allow the staff, working with our partners and donors, to make a difference in peoples’ lives.

3. Where was PAN as an organization when you started as a Board member in 2011?

PAN was doing a great job but it needed more stability and a vision for growth. I think we have accomplished much by creating new partnerships with patient groups and donors.

4. How do you think our “industry” is changing?

Drug costs are much in the news and, with that, scrutiny of all those involved in providing and paying for medicines. PAN is in a great place to participate in this discussion because of our consistent focus on integrity and compliance. We have succeeded in helping patients and will continue to succeed through this focus.

5. What are you most passionate about when thinking about PAN’s work and mission, and impact?

I am most passionate about our devotion to constantly be doing more and better on behalf of patients. High cost sharing is a reality and, with that, the need for our services. Every time we create a new disease fund, adequately fund an existing fund, or develop a new partnership with a patient group to better support patient needs, we are making a difference that matters.