KFF CEO highlights chronic illness challenges at National Academy of Medicine meeting

Dr. Drew Altman, founding president and CEO of KFF, delivered the Victor J. Dzau Keynote Address at the National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Annual Meeting on October 10, 2026, according to KFF.

The event focused on chronic disease and health policy challenges, with Dr. Altman discussing where chronic illness fits into the broader health policy landscape.

Dr. Altman, a member and former governing council member of the Institute of Medicine, chose to present his remarks in a fireside chat format to make the discussion more accessible, KFF reported.

The session was moderated by Brendan Lee, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Medicine, enhancing the engagement with the audience during the symposium.

KFF noted that its role includes conducting research and polling on health care system experiences to inform national health debates, emphasizing chronic illness as a key concern.