For over two decades as a physician, professor, and director, I have seen the evolution of American healthcare in diverse settings including academic medical centers, private practice, and community hospitals.
But I’m convinced, we’re not improving. We’re going in the wrong way.
About Me
I have been on the front lines as medical care lost the invaluable personal connection of the smaller private practice in favor of the emotionally-removed and bureaucratic mega-group and corporate medical models.
This transition has been further scarred by a variety of economic models to pay for medical care that are not well suited to our primary aim: excellent patient care.
Though at times I am frustrated, I remain optimistic and willing to reimagine a brighter future .
I am certain that the only way we can rediscover our uniquely American healthcare system is if we all come together to make it a reality.
“For over two decades I have been an active physician, professor and director in diverse settings including academic medical centers, private practice and community hospitals. During my training and career I have lived through the progression from private small practices, the initiation of Managed Care, the conglomeration of hospitals and medical practices into mega groups and corporate entities, and the recent push to transition from Fee-for-Service to Value-Based payment models. This broad exposure as a physician on the front lines has provided me with insights relevant to our current and future healthcare system in the US. I believe that the sharing of such insights with our future physicians, other clinicians and our society at large will prove beneficial to those that will be inheriting our current system with all its flaws and potential.
Join me here, together we will make a difference.”
———
Dr. Eric Fethke is a Pediatric Cardiologist, author and legal advisor who has been practicing in New York for over 22 years. He received his BA from Princeton University and his MD from Columbia University. He has taught medical students and residents at Columbia, Albert Einstein and now Touro universities.