image: national conference of state legislatures

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” – Hippocrates

My understanding of medicine has always included a love for humanity, and for making healthcare as accessible as possible. Once I began my undergraduate career as a pre-med student, I became so intertwined in the mayhem of courses and requirements that I had completely neglected the sociological aspect of medicine.

This Rose Cafe event proved to be extremely informational and inspiring, as it has motivated me to not only fulfill my medical school requirements but to take courses that ensure I gain a well-rounded understanding of medicine. Prior to this talk, there were several aspects of medicine that I was oblivious to. I did not fully comprehend how politicized the pharmaceutical drug industry was. I was taken aback when I discovered inflation played an integral role in ensuring certain drug values remain high. With 40 new drugs being introduced each year, each with complex patents, I did not understand the need to keep cost prices high, and why insurance played such a detrimental role in determining this- when the sole motive should be to provide healthcare to people from all walks of life. I have always viewed healthcare through the lens of humanity, for the first time I was exposed to the politics behind the business that healthcare had evolved into.