The U.S. spends more on healthcare per capita than any other country, yet many Americans struggle with high premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.   

What should an effective healthcare system look like? Join us while we look at The Future of Health Care.  

Dr. Ala Stanford 

Disparities in access to healthcare persist.  Minorities, rural, and low-income patients often face barriers in receiving timely and adequate care. Doctor Ala Stanford saw this firsthand and wrote about it in her book, Take Care of Them Like My Own.  Dr. Stanford is a pediatric surgeon, the founder of the Black Doctor’s Consortium and the Center for Health Equity. She is a former regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- mid-Atlantic area. Dr. Stanford has been named a Top 10 CNN Hero, one of Fortune magazine’s “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” and one of Forbes’ Most Influential Women.  

Health Care in America  

In the U.S., health insurance is mostly tied to employment—and ends when the job does. As health care shifted toward profit, a divide emerged: private insurance for those who can afford it, and government programs for the poor and elderly. But many in the middle class are left behind. One in four cancer patients now declares bankruptcy or sells their home to cover treatment. 

Dr. Kate Tulenko 

While technological advancements such as electronic health records and telemedicine offer potential benefits, their integration into the healthcare system has been challenging. Mike Walter speaks with Dr. Kate Tulenko, as she outlines what the future of healthcare will look like.