Description: Article from The Actuary regarding the medical malpractice crisis. could a macro system be the answer to a reduction in medical malpractice costs? Information in this article points in that direction.

Description: In this era of enterprise risk management, actuaries should reassess what we tell the public about what we provide. We should allow buyers to make informed choices based upon all the facts. We should recognize that regulatory and judicial forces will be focused on the products we produce for a very long time. This 2004 editorial from The Actuary Magazine discusses some common financial practices that are undergoing closer regulatory scrutiny.

Description: This is an article that highlights recommended reading by the Health Practice area communications committee. The readings cover a broad subject matter from risk assessment, medical technology to uninsured.

Description: The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the research mission of the SOA, its inner workings, major efforts, funding and its unique qualities.

Description: Discusses the growing and evolving field of pricing and valuing stock option plans, and makes the case that actuaries are the professionals best qualified to serve clients in the field.

Description: This article is an introduction to the topic of mortality projections and their impact on social security systems. The article reviews two life expectancy graphs and overall trends in life expectancy by gender at birth and age 65 in the United States, Canada and the UK.

Description: The topic of social and demographic changes has been included in the Emerging Issues Advisory Committee's screening because changes in demographics and social norms can directly impact products offered and how they are distributed by the life insurance industry. Also, changes in demographics can impact pricing and underwriting refinements within the industry. This article focuses on mortality from obesity and on mortality of the older population.

Description: Response to Letter to Shiraz Jetha about his article on microfinance and microinsurance.

Description: This is Cecil Bykerk's acceptance speech for the SOA's presidency for 2008-2009 delivered at the 2008 annual meeting. He reviews volunteerism, the education of actuaries, networking and promoting actuarial brand.

Description: Here are the themes that I plan to address in more detail over the next year—our education and examination program; more meaningful partnerships among the various actuarial organizations, especially in the United States; and increased transparency.