Healthcare in the U.S. At a time when achieving consensus on anything is close to impossible, nearly everyone agrees that our current health care system is broken. In this course we will explore the impediments to reforming health care in the United States, which by a variety of measures wastes approximately 25% of the country’s 3.8 trillion dollars spent annually.  The goal in this course is not to argue a certain perspective.  Rather, through readings and discussion of original sources, we will explore the complexities of our health care system, evaluate its attributes and failings, compare it with other systems around the world, and wrestle with questions posed by our current trajectory. We will explore how powerful interests—Big Pharma, insurance companies, hospital lobbyists, and physician guilds-- array to maintain the status quo despite clear evidence of alternative paths that would serve the greater good.

Health Care in the U.S. At a time when achieving consensus on anything is close to impossible, nearly everyone believes our current healthcare system is broken. In this course we will examine trends in health and in healthcare in the United States over the last 30 years. Through reading and discussion of original sources, as well as vignettes selected from the instructor’s career as an anesthesiologist, students in this seminar will explore the complexities of our current healthcare system, evaluate its attributes and failings, compare it with other systems around the world, and wrestle with questions posed by our current trajectory. Richard Finkelstein had a 30+ year career as an anesthesiologist, taking care of patients in the operating room, ICU, ER, and obstetric ward.  He also was on the Board of the local physician-owned insurance company that administered the Medicaid plan for their county./

Richard Finkelstein

Reviews and ratings for Richard Finkelstein at Middlebury College.Richard Finkelstein teaches Healthcare in the U.S., Health Care in the U.S. and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Richard Finkelstein good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course was very interesting. The healthcare industry is extremely nuanced and very complicated and the professor did a great job at breaking down info into digestible forms. I feel that I have a much better grasp on the healthcare industry and how it operates now

This class was very chill be very informative. Professor Finklestein is a retired doctor, so his perspective is really unique and personable. There are only readings for homework, 2 small papers (graded very easily), and a final group presentation. I would definitely recommend this class to all.

Professor Finkelstein is obviously very passionate and knowledgeable about this topic. His unique background allows for really interesting first-hand accounts and numerous guest speakers further contributed to this. The major assignments were mostly papers (with one presentation) but were very reflection focused and easily graded. 