Better Than Well American Medicine Meets The American Dream
As Americans, we pride ourselves on the concept of the American Dream – the idea that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity. This dream extends to our healthcare system as well, where we expect the best medical care possible to help us achieve optimal health and well-being.
The book "Better Than Well: American Medicine Meets the American Dream" explores the intersection between American medicine and the American Dream. Written by Carl Elliott, a bioethicist and philosopher, the book examines how the pursuit of the American Dream has influenced the medical industry and the way we approach healthcare in this country.
The American Dream and Healthcare
The American Dream has long been associated with the idea of self-improvement, and this extends to our health as well. We want to be the best versions of ourselves, and we expect our healthcare system to help us achieve that goal.
However, the pursuit of the American Dream has also led to a hyper-focus on individual success and achievement, which can sometimes come at the expense of our overall health and well-being. For example, many Americans work long hours and sacrifice sleep and exercise in order to climb the corporate ladder or achieve financial success.
In addition, the American Dream often involves the pursuit of material possessions and status symbols, which can lead to a culture of over-consumption and unhealthy habits. This can manifest itself in the form of overeating, excessive drinking, and a sedentary lifestyle – all of which can have negative effects on our health.
The Medical Industry and the American Dream
The pursuit of the American Dream has also influenced the medical industry, which has become increasingly focused on individual success and achievement. Pharmaceutical companies, for example, are driven by the desire to develop the next big blockbuster drug that will bring in millions of dollars in profits.
Similarly, doctors are often encouraged to focus on individual achievement and productivity, rather than patient outcomes. This can lead to a culture of over-testing, over-diagnosis, and over-treatment, which can be harmful to patients and contribute to the rising cost of healthcare in this country.
Can American Medicine Be "Better Than Well"?
Despite these challenges, Elliott argues that American medicine has the potential to be "better than well" – that is, to go beyond simply treating illness and disease and to help individuals achieve optimal health and well-being.
This requires a shift in focus from individual success and achievement to community and social responsibility. It also requires a greater emphasis on prevention and lifestyle changes, rather than simply relying on drugs and medical interventions.
Elliott suggests that this shift is already beginning to happen, as more and more doctors and healthcare providers recognize the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, such as poverty, access to healthy food, and environmental factors.
Conclusion
The pursuit of the American Dream has had a profound impact on our healthcare system, shaping the way we approach health and well-being. While this has led to some challenges, including a focus on individual achievement and over-consumption, there is also potential for American medicine to be "better than well."
By shifting the focus to community and social responsibility, and emphasizing prevention and lifestyle changes, we can create a healthcare system that not only treats illness and disease, but also helps individuals achieve optimal health and well-being.
