The Importance of Healthcare in the Growth Model

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In a global culture, where we measure our success solely through the metric of GDP, these health efficient policies that you're describing actually look like it's making the country worse. How do healthcare and well-being fit into the growth model at the core of the entire system? Well, first is I disagree with the validity of using the GDP as a sole measure for success and progress. You were with Japan back in the day, right, to look at the end of all. Absolutely. And I would argue that spending on primary prevention and health is not the same as spending after the fact on illness,.

On this episode, former Governor of Oregon and ER Doctor John Kitzhaber joins Nate to discuss the shortcomings of the medical system in the United States. With health outcomes below average compared to other developed nations and healthcare spending at nearly 20% of GDP, creating medical systems that are less costly while also keeping people healthier is critical to the well-being of the country and its citizens. Dr. Kitzhaber’s hands-on experience working in medicine and systemic perspective as a policymaker gives him a unique perspective on healthcare resource allocation, the effectiveness of medicine, and the real world effects of how we incentivize medical care. Can we extend our time horizons by making long-term investments in the most effective preventative care? How do we take care of more people with fewer resources available? Most of all, can we come together to think critically about how we can create a system that prioritizes holistic health, based in community and accessible to everyone?

About John Kitzhaber

John Kitzhaber has more than 40 years of experience in health care and health policy in both public and private sectors. He practiced as an emergency room physician for 15 years; served 14 years in the Oregon Legislature, and served three terms as Governor of the State of Oregon.

Kitzhaber is the author of the groundbreaking Oregon Health Plan, through which hundreds of thousands of low- and moderate-income Oregon families gain access to health care. During his third term as Governor, Kitzhaber was the chief architect of Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations, the first effort in the country created on a statewide basis to meet the Triple Aim—better health, better quality, lower cost—with a focus on community and population health.

To watch this video episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Z4cjl77rj78

Show Notes & Links to Learn More: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/70-john-kitzhaber