Transformation of the US Health Care Delivery System and It’s Consequences for the Health Professions

In the United States, government health care programs for the poorest segment in the population (Medicaid) and the population segment age 65 years and older (Medicare) began in 1965. The present address summarized the trends in the US health care system and in the health profession since then. The health care system has undergone major changes in structure, functions and operations, which have affected professional practice education and research. Basic issues underlying the high costs of health care today were analyzed, and nationalized discussion was proposed to reform the health care system, with students' participation in the decision-making process.