PH 398 - Investigation Think Tank

Despite being the wealthiest nation in the world, the US has a health care system that ranks dead last among that of eleven high-income countries (including Norway, the Netherlands, Australia, the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, France, Switzerland, and Canada). Why does the US spend the most money on health care but have a life expectancy that ranks worse than the fortieth in the world? Why is the price of insulin almost ten times higher in the US than in Canada? Why are my hospital bills seemingly harder to understand than ancient hieroglyphic texts? In this advanced seminar-style course, we will hunt for answers to such puzzling questions by critically examining the historical and economic determinants that shaped (and are still shaping) the US healthcare system. We will devise potential solutions through intensive reading, writing, and research; critical thought and discussion; and interaction with real healthcare leaders who are doing their part to improve the health of their communities.

Prerequisites
PH 101 Introduction to Public Health or permission of instructor.

Credits 1

Area
Social Science

Division
Social Sciences

Compass Attributes
Social Science