May 31st, 2021

After listening to the recent podcast by Peter Attia with Dr. Sarah Hallberg, I was struck with her candor and experiences related to her lung cancer diagnosis and the realities of healthcare equity. She paints a very dark picture for those with less means and the chance to survive cancer in the United States medical system.

As a provider of care that tries hard to see every child and patient as a human with a health care concern that needs a remedy regardless of social status, creed or race, it is hard to hear that people do not have access to the best quality care when they are suffering from such a horrific disease or any disease. In pediatrics in the State of North Carolina,

we are blessed with a competent government run medicaid insurance model that allows us to treat most if not all children to the fullest extent necessary, at times even better than their insured brethren.

It is beyond maddening to see a person suffering and then also be left without the help needed to heal or at least suffer the least.

In the end, it comes down to advocacy and grit. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to fight the system to get the care that I knew that I needed for myself, my family or a patient of our practice.

The current medical system prizes money over most anything and that is completely dysfunctional. We need to prize health above all else. We spend more money on healthcare than any other industrialized country in the world and yet struggle to provide the necessary supports for many patients especially in the adult sector.

It is time for all of us to fight for transparent medical care where you know what you are getting, paying and that your provider and their team are fully invested in your health.

Above all be an advocate for you child, father, mother, sibling or friend. Help them navigate the quagmire that is American healthcare and keep us the providers of care accountable to you for the best outcome.

We are here for you and that is key!

Dr. M