LDI aims to improve health through multidisciplinary studies of the medical, economic, social, and ethical issues that influence it.

[2][3] The LDI is a formal collaborative venture among Penn's schools of Medicine (Perelman), Business (Wharton), Nursing, Communication (Annenberg), Law, and Dental Medicine along with The University of Pennsylvania Health System and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Associated faculty members and distinguished Senior Fellows hail from a wide variety of disciplines.

As the founder of Colonial Penn, Mr. Davis pioneered insurance plans for the elderly.

He was also a strong advocate for the establishment of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and was also closely involved in the congressional development of Medicare legislation.