Last month, I asked readers to weigh in on the election and how healthcare issues will influence the outcome. Here are the results:
My thoughts: For two of the questions, readers viewed the middle ground as most likely, which I find both realistic and revealing. Without strong presidential leadership, healthcare policies often stall, no matter how promising they may seem. Major changes face substantial hurdles—passing legislation through Congress, overcoming industry lobbying and surviving legal challenges. All of these slow progress. As a result, unless a disruptive solution emerges, we’re likely to see healthcare remain largely stagnant over the next four years.
What surprised me was the overwhelming percentage of readers (75%) who believe presidential candidates should undergo physical and psychological evaluations, with the findings made public. In the beginning of this election cycle, with the possibility of both Biden and Trump serving into their 80s, the desire for transparency was understandable. However, I question how objective such evaluations would be, knowing that the personal physician’s findings would be publicly scrutinized. I worry that the process would result in more political spin than valid medical information.
Thanks to those who voted! To participate in future surveys, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Check out Pearl’s newest book, ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine with all profits going to Doctors Without Borders.
You are doing Holy work here, Dr. Pearl. You are appreciated.