Greetings, While partnering is hardly a new trend in medical travel, it is one that’s generating a lot of attention lately in the US. Concerns about the Affordable Care Act are motivating providers, payers, suppliers and other healthcare organizations to actively consider and pursue partnerships to address the potential realities of healthcare reform (see lead story INDUSTRY NEWS). Thankfully, some of the leaders in international healthcare partnering are more than happy to share some of the lessons learned and wisdom gained by virtue of their experience (see story two under INDUSTRY NEWS). While hardly apples-to-apples, there are some basic ideas that any potential partner would be wise to consider. They just might find the perspective and solutions they need. As always, we welcome your comments, story ideas and press releases. Cheers, Amanda Haar, Editor [email protected]     YOUR OPINION MATTERS… Medical Travel Today recently partnered with Well-Being Travel to host the first “Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012.” The event – which took place June 20-21 in Scottsdale, Ariz., and drew in 400+ attendees – educated travel sellers on how and why they should sell medical and wellness travel. As a follow-up to the conference, we’re conducting a survey in an effort to gather benchmarking information…and help everyone increase their success in this specialty niche (including medical practitioners and facilities, wellness therapists and retreats, travel suppliers and travel sellers…and ultimately the patient travelers). Take our brief 10-question survey today and you could win a $250 American Express Gift Card!!! Just click on this link: https://www.research.net/s/5L687QT