The Social Transformation of American Medicine Audiobook By Paul Starr cover art

The Social Transformation of American Medicine

The Rise of a Sovereign Profession and the Making of a Vast Industry

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The Social Transformation of American Medicine

By: Paul Starr
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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Considered the definitive history of the American healthcare system, The Social Transformation of American Medicine examines how the roles of doctors, hospitals, health plans, and government programs have evolved over the last two and a half centuries. How did the financially insecure medical profession of the 19th century become a most prosperous one in the 20th century? Why was national health insurance blocked? And why are corporate institutions taking over our medical care system today?

Beginning in 1760 and coming up to the present day, renowned sociologist Paul Starr traces the decline of professional sovereignty in medicine, the political struggles over healthcare, and the rise of a corporate system.

Updated with a new preface and an epilogue analyzing developments since the early 1980s, this new edition of The Social Transformation of American Medicine is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of our fraught healthcare system.

©1982 Paul Starr (P)2018 Tantor

Accolades & Awards

Pulitzer Prize
1984
Medicine & Health Care Industry Physical Illness & Disease Pulitzer Prize History & Commentary United States Sociology Americas American Medicine
Impressive Sociology Translation • Informative Healthcare History • Important Medical Context • Wonderful Medical Sociology

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Very interesting and informative, but the chapters on the audiobook don’t align with the chapters in the physical book. Since there are no chapter titles on the audiobook it’s difficult to correspond with group discussion.

Chapters don’t align with the physical book’s chapters.

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I think it's an important book for every doctor to read BUT I wish there would have been some form of a quick summary at the end. I found myself getting lost at times in the story and how things were moving. I think the time frame would be easier to understand with a physical book. Overall, would definitely recommend. The topic is not my favorite but it was very good information!! Glad I listened to it!

Informative but kind of boring

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I last read Dr Starr's book as a college sophomore. it was incredibly satisfying to read it again after practicing surgery for 25 years.

His scholarship and insightful comments are particularly meaningful to me. I strongly recommend this book to help gain an understanding of the context of medical practice in the United States.

really expansive but really dense

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Starr does an impressive job of translating arcane sociology to mainstream history. Well worth the time…and it takes a long time!

Wonderful history/sociology of American Medical practice

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Very well documented and the epilogue confirms analysis done decades earlier. Recommended for structure and Conte.

Cogent

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