People, papers and presentations

Vivian Ho, the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and professor of economics, will speak on U.S. health care reform at the plenary session of the Heart Failure Society of America’s annual scientific meeting Sept. 23 in Orlando, Fla. Her presentation will focus on the Medicare payment reforms that will affect physicians and hospitals as part of the Affordable Care Act, including incentive payments for accountable care organizations, bundled payments and pay for performance.

“Fantasy on Bulgarian Rhythms,” a new work by Shepherd School Associate Professor of Composition and Theory Karim Al-Zand, debuted Sept. 22 at the season premiere of the Apollo Chamber Players, a string quartet composed of Shepherd School alumni.