ven if you are living in a cave, it would be impossible to avoid the flurry of Post-Olympics politics that are hitting your TV screen, radio, paper and computer screen. Both campaigns, republican and democrat, are in full swing with conventions, heavy advertisement, and are consuming every possible media outlet to get your vote and your attention. I have actually found this election quite fascinating to follow with the personalities, the maneuvering, and the fast pace with which things are now happening. |
by John Steinberg, DPM
PRESENT Editor • Assistant Professor,
Department of Plastic Surgery
Georgetown University
School of Medicine
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Now, most of us like to stay an arms length (or more) away from all this political stir, but look at the attention healthcare is getting in all the headlines. Major US healthcare change is coming no matter which candidate takes office. The candidates have made this a bigger election issue than it ever has been before, and it is clear that the campaigns are following the will of the people in promising to act on this high profile issue.
Think about this though...when the candidates are talking their politics and making their healthcare reform promises, they are not only talking about YOUR own future healthcare needs, but also YOUR current job and YOUR livelihood. As physicians, we are sometimes viewed as the enemies in healthcare because we are generally against change. This fear of change is well founded in the reality that most changes toward a system that provides universal healthcare access would have to come with a decrease in reimbursement and likely a decrease in our ability to direct patient care in the manner we are accustomed.
Obama and McCain have some big plans for you. Have you read their healthcare policies and campaign platforms yet? If not, here are the links:
While no one would logically volunteer for a salary cut, don't we all have to admit that the current healthcare system in the US has major and fixable flaws? Poor standardization of records, low utilization of electronic medical records systems, high opportunities for fraud and abuse and frivolous malpractice suits, limited patient access, inequality in care options, etc.
So, who are you voting for and why? Let's hear what you have to say. Many of you have strong opinions and I bet you would love to share them. Which candidate has the better healthcare plan? Which candidate will have the least affect on your wallet?
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Sincerely,
John Steinberg, DPM
PRESENT Editor
Assistant Professor,
Department of Plastic Surgery
Georgetown University School of Medicine
[email protected]
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