Wave that Kaiser Permanente Flag with Pride!
Lee Jacobs, MD, Associate Editor, Health Systems

Since the first issue of The Permanente Journal was published in the Summer of 1997, the intent of the Health Systems section has been to give our readers an opportunity to develop an understanding of what it means to be "Permanente." After decades of providing health care and developing a unique culture that has not been replicated, the story of the Permanente Medical Groups and their Health Plan partners is being told. There is no doubt in my mind that since its inception, this journal has provided the first detailed written record of just what Permanente Care is.

So what is the major conclusion that might be apparent to the readers of The Permanente Journal? I believe there is one theme that predominates throughout--especially noteworthy in the nonclinical sections: The best advocate for the patient in the examining room, and for US society in general, is the physician with the ideals and incentives of Permanente partnering with a health plan with the ethics of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals.

Patient advocacy--that's the theme of the Health Systems section specifically and The Permanente Journal in general--and that's the message that Americans need to hear. Legislators are too entangled in politics to be the best advocates for Americans. Certainly, community physicians lack the basic incentives, accountability, and leadership to speak for patients. It is the group model as exemplified by Permanente that provides the structure for care that best meets the needs of Americans.

The physicians, other providers, and the staff of Kaiser Permanente should be proud of what they offer society, and we are excited that The Permanente Journal can provide a voice for them. So speak out Kaiser Permanente--you have quite a story to tell!

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