1. In Starr’s book, Starr argues that the cultural authority of the medical profession broke down in the 60’s and 70’s, and that today “corporate medicine” is in full bloom. What were the leading factors he believes promoted the rise of corporate interest in medicine? What are some of the implications of a corporate medical system for health care in the U.S. today?
2. Many believe that the Tuskegee Syphilis case provides a shameful illustration of how society’s attitudes towards race direly impacted medical care for African Americans. Without justifying the abuse that occurred, what were some of the historical considerations that should be noted when analyzing the Tuskegee experiment? How does this inform current “best practices” in medicine?
3. In what ways do the themes developed in The Doctor reflect modern tension between physicians, physician groups, interns, specialists, hospitals, and patient care?
4. Write a brief reflective piece in which you assess topics we have discussed over the semester, and think about which ones you believe have made the most impact on how you view medicine.
