Gov. Patrick headed to meetings in D.C.

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick is heading back to Washington, D.C.

Patrick's first meeting Thursday afternoon is with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

The two are scheduled to discuss health care and cost containment issues. Patrick will also address a professional development event Sebelius is holding with her staff.

Patrick then visits with Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren. Patrick met Oren over the summer and Oren had invited him to Washington.

Patrick is scheduled to return to Massachusetts in the evening.

Last Friday, Patrick and his wife Diane headed to Washington for a White House dinner with President Barack Obama and about a dozen other invited guests to celebrate Obama's re-election.

Patrick, who was an energetic supporter of Obama, has pledged to serve out the final two years of his term as governor.