Among the questions the group wrestled with were these:

1. Does the field of integrative medicine hold any answers to our healthcare system’s problems?

2. Could a group of philanthropists, working together to fund strategic programs, accomplish more than individual givers?

To both questions, their answer was a resounding “Yes!”

Out of those conversations arose The Bravewell Collaborative, a foundation “dedicated to transforming the culture and delivery of healthcare.”

Bravewell seeks to raise awareness of those things that should matter most in medicine: patient empowerment; an emphasis on healthy life-style choices to create health, wellness and healing; the individualization of care, and the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. These are all components of an integrative approach and we hope our support of these pioneers will inspire others to follow their path.”

— Christy Mack, President of the Bravewell Collaborative

Leadership of the Collaborative includes John Mack (CEO of Morgan Stanley), philanthropist and former publisher Bill Sarnoff, Judith Moyers (president of Public Affairs Television), and Dr. Mehmet Oz (of Oprah fame).

Among the many thought-provoking links to explore on the Bravewell site are the Patient Bill of Rights and the Declaration for a New Medicine.

And, from the Huffington Post, comes this revealing commentary on the need for a group like Bravewell. (From 2007, but still relevant.)

So why are the Bravewell initiatives important to you and me?

Well, on a practical level, Bravewell is active in accelerating the growth of leading clinical centers of integrative medicine. But, just as important, the members of the Collaborative are massively successful private citizens who are turning their attention, money and influence to one of the most challenging issues of our century.

It’s going to be fascinating to watch what kind of impact this group will have on the future of health care. And I wonder how closely they will work with the new Obama administration?