Description: From a session at a meeting of the Society of Actuaries held in Las Vegas, NV May 22-24, 2000 This session discussed the purpose of the proposed Ambassador Program under development by the Actuary of the Future Section to focus on the nontraditional actuarial practice areas that are expected to play an increasingly significant role within the actuarial profession in the 21st century.

Description: This research report is sponsored by The Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries on the Canadian health care system. Performed by Stéphane Levert, FSA, FCIA, the study (available in French and English) estimated the future costs of the Canadian health care system, assessed the sustainability of the system over a 25-year horizon, and analyzed the implications of the changes to the Canada Health Transfer proposed on Dec. 19, 2011 by the federal government. The report summarizing the findings indicates that, without significant government intervention, the Canadian health care system in its current form is not sustainable.

Description: A review of an AOF webcast that included making the most of a mentor/protégé relationship and networking.

Description: This article from major US payers describes palliative care as a scaleable means of improving quality and reducing costs during serious and complex illness.

Description: Highlights of the Actuary of the Future Section and the Product Development Section

Description: Many top-performing businesses aren’t just risk aware, but rather risk intelligent. Such a posture helps prepare companies for a major event and can demonstrate to a regulator or auditor that an appropriately strong control framework is in place. Better still, companies gain real strategic value from a “risk adjusted” understanding not only of their threats and vulnerabilities, but also the upside opportunities associated with various risks. It starts with having both qualitative and quantitative information to identify, assess and manage risks. Strategic risk management, at its core, is about creating value by increasing transparency and accountability, and quality of information. More than a mere compliance exercise, effective risk management enables more informed strategic decision making, increased accountability and transparency, a greater likelihood of organizational success, and – ultimately – competitive advantage, as borne out by many studies that correlate risk management and financial results.

Description: Frequently Asked Questions that the Younger Actuaries Network, YAN, committee has come across when spreading the word about what we do.

Description: The SOA president honors those who have helped him achieve his professional goals, and offers ideas on ways to help others grow and thrive within the profession.

Description: Book review: George W. Bush memoir