Can history improve big-bang health reform?
Article
This paper makes the case for involving medical historians in the development of modern health policy.
Gregory Marchildon is a Professor and Ontario Research Chair in Health Policy and System Design at the University of Toronto. When he was a senior Canadian public servant in the 1990’s, historical research and interpretation were never integrated into the policy advice given to cabinet. This approach persists today, as policy experts and political decision makers rarely rely on the professional skills of historians when health policies are formulated.
In his roles as a policy practitioner and scholar, Gregory has found history to be particularly useful. He argues that historians have a critical role to play in establishing and reshaping universal health coverage policies.
Give this article a read to learn how professional historians can help policy makers make better decisions when they’re reforming universal healthcare programs. Gregory also shares the skills and competencies that policy practitioners believe would help professional historians meaningfully contribute to developing better health systems and policies.
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