Austrian Federal Minister For Health Visits Boston, Discusses Healthcare Environment With U.S Medical Students

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 19 Sep 2007 - 16:00 PDT

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The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the nation's largest, independent medical student organization, representing more than 68,000 physicians-in-training, welcomes Austrian Federal Minister for Health and Women's Affairs Dr. Andrea Kdolsky and the Austrian Healthcare Tour to the United States. On September 21, 2007, Dr. Kdolsky will meet with AMSA members in the Boston area to discuss the current healthcare environment and to present the unique Austrian healthcare system.

As the former president of the Austrian Medical Student Association (also AMSA), Dr. Kdolsky is responsible for health, family and youth across Austria. Before she took office, she served as medical managing director of the Lower Austrian Federal Hospital Holding (Landeskliniken-Holding).

Austria has a national health-insurance system known as the Krankenkasse. There is a national umbrella organization, with several smaller funds based on geography or occupation. All Austrian citizens who are working within the country may set a percentage of their salary (half of which is paid by their employer), to cover healthcare premiums. According to the World Health Organization, Austria has the 9th best health system in the world (the United States ranks 37th).

The American Medical Student Association believes that a national health insurance program would be the most equitable and effective method to achieve universal access to health care for all people living in the United States

"The Austrian healthcare system works and there is a lot that the United States can learn from Dr. Kdolsky and her delegation," says Michael Ehlert, M.D., AMSA's national president. "With the exception of the United States, every industrialized country in the world has found a way to deliver universal healthcare for its citizens. As a leader in healthcare reform, AMSA is excited to meet with their leadership and gather useful information and lessons that may assist in creating a system of affordable healthcare for all in America."

About the American Medical Student Association

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), with more than a half-century history of medical student activism, is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. With more than 68,000 members, including medical and premedical students, residents and practicing physicians, AMSA is committed to improving medical training as well as advancing the profession of medicine. AMSA focuses on four strategic priorities, including universal healthcare, disparities in medicine, diversity in medicine and transforming the culture of medical education. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://www.amsa.org.