On the heels of President-elect Donald Trump naming Rep. Tom Price, MD, (R-Ga.), to lead the HHS, MedPage Today republished a 2014 interview with the orthopedic surgeon concerning his views on healthcare.
Here are six key points:
1. Dr. Price said the healthcare industry faces obstacles in terms of patient advocacy as many "non-medical people" are making medical decisions.
2. As a provider, Dr. Price said he has seen countless patients lacking coverage, and he and his colleagues treated them the same as a patient with coverage. He told MedPage Today, "The only thing holding our current system of healthcare together is the altruism of those providing the care."
3. Dr. Price said legislators and payers should play no part in medical decisions. Rather, patients, families and providers should be the sole entities involved in healthcare decisions.
4. Dr. Price encouraged medical students to always prioritize the patient and went on to say, "caring for one's fellow man is a privilege unmatched by any other. There is no more noble endeavor than caring for people," according to MedPage Today.
5. Throughout his career as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Price has seen new technology take hold and noted, "the innovation and utilization of newer, stronger, more dynamic and more efficient implants for various problems has been phenomenal."
6. Dr. Price told MedPage Today he advises providers to "never lose sight of our mission — caring for people" and to have hobbies outside of medicine.