Goldman will take center stage as keynote speaker at Ostrow’s satellite ceremony on May 16.

DANA GOLDMAN WEARS MANY HATS AT USC — from University Professor of Public Policy, Pharmacy and Economics to the Founding Director of the USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy and Government Service to a special advisor to USC Provost Andrew Guzman.

But, on May 16, he’ll don yet another hat — a velvet tam as part of his academic regalia — as he takes the stage as Ostrow’s Commencement speaker, addressing the graduating class of 2025 and bringing with him a career’s worth of wisdom from intersecting backgrounds.

Netflix and Pill

Throughout his career, Goldman’s expertise has influenced national healthcare policies. His renowned “Netflix model” for financing healthcare costs was even used in the 2023 presidential budget to tackle hepatitis C.

Drawing a parallel to the subscription-based pricing model of Netflix, Goldman proposes a system where healthcare payers negotiate fixed annual fees with pharmaceutical companies in exchange for access to specific therapeutic drugs.

“High cost-sharing discourages use. Netflix and other providers figured out how to ensure a return to innovators without discouraging use,” he explains.

While initially designed to address drug prices, he hopes the model inspires other healthcare professionals to think outside the box when it comes to eliminating barriers for their patients.

“Dental professionals see firsthand the health and financial challenges their patients face, as well as the business challenges of providing care. That insight is valuable to policymakers.”

Prioritizing Prevention

Prevention is also a cornerstone of Goldman’s research and advocacy. His work highlights the economic and societal benefits of prioritizing preventive care — a principle he believes Ostrow graduates are uniquely equipped to champion.

“We know that oral health is closely connected to physical health, but policy too often treats them separately — at great cost to patients and society,” Goldman says, citing the growing evidence linking poor oral health to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cognitive disorders.

“The system is largely set up to pay for interventions and treatments, but we know prevention has long-term economic gains and can reduce health disparities when access is prioritized.”

In fact, it was Ostrow’s commitment to community care that made Goldman enthusiastically accept the Commencement invitation.

“The Mobile Dental Clinics are a significant antidote to the ongoing challenge of access to care in underserved communities,” he says. “Having participated in them gives Ostrow grads an advantage in understanding the nuances of patient care.”

Making an Impact

Looking ahead, Goldman is optimistic about the future of healthcare innovation. He points to advances in biomedical research, such as effective treatments for hepatitis C and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as emerging technologies in dentistry, including minimally invasive procedures and research targeting head and neck cancers.

“These breakthroughs — the result of decades of research and development — should be celebrated for the incredible impact they’ve had on patients’ lives,” he says.

Goldman finds his greatest fulfillment not just in breakthroughs, but in witnessing the growth of students and junior faculty, taking great pride in the significant achievements of his mentees — often surpassing his own accomplishments.

“My usual advice to mentees and grads is to floss, but I’m sure they all know that by now,” he says, with a laugh. “Instead, I’ll say this: stay curious and be compassionate.”

Ostrow’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. at USC Village Great Lawn. Visit the USC Commencement website for more information about the ceremony.