The Healing of America

The Healing of America

by T. R. Reid

I often wonder how students select their favorite book, and this one is no different.  While the book is very educational and helpful in understanding the state of health care in our society today, I don’t think I would take it with me to a deserted island or give it to a best friend for a present.  Nonetheless, it provides perspective on how different countries approach health care.  The book, The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper and Fairer Health Care by T. R. Reid, details the author’s journey to get his shoulder ‘fixed’ from an old injury sustained while in the military. During the process, he decides to find how other country’s health care would address his needs as a patient.  Reid actually visited physicians and had the same injury evaluated and was also able to get costs for the corrective work.  Needless to say, the US system was one of the worst!  (Note this was done prior to the health care reform bill passed during President Obama’s term in office).  As Reid argues, providing health care to all citizens is a moral and ethical issue, so why doesn’t the US do it just as the rest of the world?  Reid goes to France (rated #1 by the World Health Organization), Germany, Japan, UK, Canada and Asia to see physicians.  He provides in-depth data that helps to illustrate how far behind we really are in relation to other countries (with the exception of our research and facilities/equipment).  In the end, we should provide equal access to all.  Again, helpful read for all, but especially those studying global public health or related fields.  Will become dated in a few years as it was written in 2009.