Traces from the Health Care System Design Intensive 2008

The fourth intensive in health care systems design took place at the site of the future Gesundheit! hospital this August. For five days amid the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia, a mix of doctors, nurses, medical students, residents, therapists, organizers and community dreamers brought their stories, criticism, questions, weariness, enthusiasm, compassion, indignation and desires for change in health care delivery.

The instructors and guest presenters offered design tools and inspiring examples of humane practice—from Doc Hollywood's demystification for children, to PK Beville's Second Wind wish fulfillment for elders, to Rebecca Trotzky-Sirr's work with barrio clinics in Venezuela—plus reports and problem workshops from the participants themselves. Design groups gathered and elicited specific desires from each and fostered deep discussions, connections and friendships to be continued.  Ideas were sparked and problems clarified, with frequent doses of hugs and lots and lots of laughter.

Names and Websites:

  • Gorden Moore MD, Rochester New York. Take a look at reviews of his practice in journal of Family Practice Management.
  • Pam Wible MD, Eugene Oregon. Also reviewed in the Journal of Family Practice Management.
  • Ideal Medical Practice, and Ideal Medical Home--these are initiatives triggered by the Institute for HealthCare Improvement and American Academy of Family Physicians.
  • Greenfiled Care Clinic, Portland Oregon

Website Resources:

 

Websites of our Presenters

 

PATCH ADAMS' HOME ADDRESS (he answers all letters, in longhand):
Patch Adams, P.O. Box 50125, Arlington Virginia, 22205.