Medical Students Examine Differences Between U.S. And Canadian Health Care Systems

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 06 Feb 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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As the presidential election quickly approaches, the healthcare debate is a hot issue. The next generation of physicians takes to the streets this week, examining the differences between the U.S. and Canadian health care systems. The American Medical Student Association (AMSA)'s fifth annual SeaCouver study tour provides medical students didactic training and a truly unique experience that occurs when they take to the streets of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia to interview local citizens about their perceptions of the two systems.

SeaCouver, February 6-10, will provide medical students a first-hand knowledge of health care delivery in the two countries by shadowing doctors in clinics and learning from policymakers. They will hear lectures by physician policy experts at the University of Washington and the University of British Columbia to gain first-hand insights into how the two systems compare. As with previous years, participants will film spot on-street interviews to gauge citizens' perspectives and impressions on both countries' health care systems. These interviews give students a unique opportunity to explore some of the perceptions and misperceptions that exist about the two health care systems on both sides of the border.

The students will compare the publicly funded Canadian health insurance system to the predominantly private U.S. health insurance system. With 47 million uninsured Americans, the United States remains the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee healthcare for all its citizens, despite spending double than any other country on health care per capita. In contrast, Canada spends nearly 40 percent less on healthcare per capita than the United States yet still manages to guarantee coverage for all its citizens, and attain superior health outcomes, such as a higher life expectancy and lower infant mortality. Topics of discussion will include a comparison of health care financing, prescription drug policy, access to health care, medical education and physician satisfaction in the United States and Canada. At the end of the tour, students will present their findings at their respective medical schools to educate their peers about the differences between the two systems.

"The next generation of physicians will inherit a system that leaves 47 million people without access to healthcare," says Dr. Michael Ehlert, AMSA national president. "SeaCouver is an excellent opportunity for medical students to educate themselves on two different health care systems. With this experience, they will be better positioned to educate their colleagues and build a health care system that better serves our patients and the public."

AMSA used previous year's man-on-the-street footage to compile a documentary, which skillfully depicted true-life views on healthcare as well as providing healthcare discussion guidelines. The film is now used as an educational tool on medical school campuses nationwide. For more information or to order copies of the video, please email jrf@amsa.org.

For over 57 years, AMSA has empowered medical students to continually improve our health care system locally, statewide and nationally for the benefit of our future patients. For more information on AMSA's health care for all strategic priority, please visit: http://www.amsa.org/uhc.

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.

American Medical Student Association