How We do harm By: Otis Webb Brawley and Paul Goldberg

Health Care group Mike Sandoz

Jackie Wienard Chad Stobbie

Brandon Halleland

Summary• The book focuses on Dr.

Brawley’s life as a practicing oncologist at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia

• Dissects the flaws in the US medical and healthcare systems in the category of Cancer.

• His stories are very shocking, emotional and disturbing

Story 1-Edna• Dr. Brawley uses the

story of a woman with Breast Cancer to explain the tragedies of patients who cannot afford treatment.

• She lost her life simply because she could pay for any treatment.

Story 2- Debbie• Debbie’s story explains how overtreatment can

be just as deadly as being untreated• Discusses the ignorance of patients and

Doctors. American mentality regarding cancer treatment sometimes overrides common sense

• Debbie received a very toxic treatment called FOLFOX for low grade Colon Cancer- very unnecessary for her case.

• Insurance companies have no ability to view whether a treatment was appropriate or not.

Story 3- Ralph• Ralph was a man in his seventies with minor

prostate cancer but was still told to seek treatment.

• Received side effect because of the unnecessary treatment.

• Dr. Brawley explains how free screening does more harm than help because most cases found from the screenings could go untreated and the patient would be fine.

Story 4: Cedric• Has an irregular heartbeat• Is poor and uninsured• Frequent visits to the ER, at the expense of

other patients• His condition is correctable but he can’t afford

the device

Discussion Q’s: 1-4• 1) What do you think Dr. Otis’s thesis is for Chapter

5? 2) Some pro-privatized healthcare supporters argue that it is not fair to make a healthy person who works out, eats healthy, and does not smoke pay for the people who are sick. After reading Martins story, do you think this is a legitimate argument? 3) Throughout the book the author argues that some doctors in privatized medicine treat their patients more like paychecks than people. Would having a universal system eliminate this problem? Why or why not? 4) What is your opinion on privatized vs. universal healthcare? Has this reading changed your opinion at all? Why or why not?

Discussion Q’s: 5-7• 5) Martin was lucky and found himself in the care of some

exceptional doctors even though he couldn’t afford treatment. Others are not so lucky and find themselves in crippling debt or go without treatment completely. Is this morally right? Should we make it so everyone has access to treatment, regardless of his or her ability to pay? 6) What do you think the purpose is of Dr. Brawley using a narrative to get his points across? Was this effective in keeping you reading intently and understanding the material better? 7) Many pro-privatized supporters believe a main issue with universal healthcare is that funds will not allow for high-tech state of the art medical facilities and equipment, waiting time will drastically increase, and lack of sanitation. There is proof of this in some foreign nations like Canada and England. Do you believe that creating a universal healthcare program would turn hospitals into ones like the one Martin goes to in Atlanta named Grady?