Lessons from the Shriners; Those guys in the funny hats make possible free hospital care for children.(Opinions)

Modern Healthcare, May, 2005 by Schumacher, William

Byline: William Schumacher

You hear a lot from the cup-is-half-empty crowd these days about the U.S. healthcare system, and certainly there is a lot to be concerned about. The ranks of the uninsured continue to grow, malpractice is driving some good doctors out of medicine and patient safety continues to be a challenge in the nation's hospitals.

Personally, however, I find the negativity a little relentless, when there are so many positives about healthcare that merit attention.

One of these is the men in the funny hats. I refer to the Shriners, also known (though mostly among themselves) as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Most people, including many health professionals, are only vaguely aware that the Shriners...

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