Health Care Town Hall Draws Large Crowd

23 December 2008

More than 100 convene to discuss challenges, solutions

In response to a request by the Obama- Biden Transition Project, led by Secretary-designate Tom Daschle's administration, and with support from the American Medical Association, the Medical Society of Virginia, along with volunteers from Change is Coming, hosted a town hall discussion on health care reform last night. More than 100 people attended including: physicians, educators, nurses, policymakers, advocates, patients, health care administrators and students.

The event was moderated by Lerla Joseph, M.D., a local physician. Daniel Carey, M.D., president-elect of MSV, served on a panel along with Susan Miller, M.D., VCU Health System; Bela Sood, M.D., VCU Health System; Paul Kitchen, NHealth; Rick Shinn, Va. Community Healthcare Association; and Susan Dandridge McFarland, a patient.

The forum offered an opportunity for a diverse group of people to engage in an open discussion about current frustrations and problems with health care in America as well as for discussion about how to develop a solution, and the role of employers and the government in a future system.

"I was pleased with the level of participation in this event. The fact that so many people came out for this during the holiday season demonstrates the frustration people have with our current system and their passion and desire for change," said Rufus Phillips, MSV executive vice president.

Comments from the meeting will be summarized and a post-meeting survey will be sent to all participants in hopes of quantifying the feedback gathered. A follow up meeting may be scheduled.

Read a related article in the New York Times.