Two filmmakers by the names of Frank Christopher and Matthew Eisen got together with a vision to showcase the “type of health care we can all have.” In researching their vision which culminated in the film Remaking American Medicine, the two came across some pioneering individuals and organizations that they refer to as Champions of Change. Following are biographies of a few of the key contributors. (Please see the PBS overview of Eisen’s and Christopher’s film for complete profiles).

• Dr. David Link (Chief of Pediatrics at Cambridge Health Alliance) is a firm believer that children with asthma should never have to be seen in emergency room settings. Dr. Link believes that “instead of being reactive and treating chronic illness when it becomes acute, providers and patients are encouraged to become proactive by managing symptoms, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and preventing hospitalizations.” Cambridge Health Alliance has made insightful changes on how Read the rest of this entry »

You bet it’s time to remake American medicine. The following excerpt is from a speech given to the IHI Conference by Sorrel King and is borrowed from the Josie King Foundation’s website to provide a crystalline example of the necessary changes explored in the film Remaking American Medicine.Josie was 18 months old.In January of 2001 Josie was admitted to Johns Hopkins after suffering first and second degree burns from climbing into a hot bath. She healed well and within weeks was scheduled for release. Two days before she was to return home she died of severe dehydration and misused narcotics.Josie spent ten days in the PICU. I was by her side every day and night. I paid attention to every minute detail of the doctors’ and nurses’ care, and I was quick to ask questions. I bonded with them and was in constant awe of the medical attention she received. Every time Josie moved or fussed someone would be quick to push her pain button. I tried rubbing her head and found that often this would settle her. Much to our relief, Josie was experiencing a quick recovery. Her burns were healing beautifully. She was sent down to the intermediate care floor with expectations of being sent home in a few days. Her three older siblings prepared for her welcome home celebration. We were told that no one had ever been sent back up to the PICU.The following week her central line had been taken out. I began noticing that every time she saw a drink she would Read the rest of this entry »