Backus physician attends presidential address on healthcare reform
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As President Barack Obama delivered a passionate address outlining his vision for healthcare reform, Dinesh Kapur, MD, Medical Director of Cancer Services at Backus, listened intently.
But he wasn't in his living room watching it on television like the rest of us.
He was in the audience filled with U.S. legislators, each of whom were allowed one invited guest. Dr. Kapur, who has seen the effects of a broken healthcare system firsthand, was the guest of Congressman Joe Courtney who represents Connecticut's 2nd District.
He also joined Courtney for a live discussion on the Congressman's website immediately following President Obama's healthcare speech, which focused on "building on what works, and fixing what doesn't."
"That's exactly what we've been saying," Dr. Kapur said in an interview Wednesday night.
Dr. Kapur said the atmosphere during the address was electric and bipartisan, and he praised the President for including both Democratic and Republican viewpoints in his proposal. He said this approach makes it more likely that meaningful reform will happen in the near future. He said lack of reimbursement for healthcare providers, malpractice issues and the devastation that can be caused to those without insurance if they get sick make reform imperative.
"The push is on and I think this will be the defining moment of his presidency," Dr. Kapur said.
The selection of Dr. Kapur was the result of the congressman's visit to Backus and Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology last month, where he saw firsthand the hardships faced by hospitals, clinicians and uninsured patients.
Dr. Kapur said it was a great honor to attend the event, and he praised Congressman Courtney for his understanding of the healthcare issues that Connecticut and the nation face.
"The quality of care that doctors and nurses provide every day across Connecticut is not in question," Congressman Courtney said. "Rather, access to affordable, reliable insurance coverage and in turn better access to this care must be improved. We are nearing the goal line for significant reform and we must continue to move the ball forward."