• Edward J Eckenfels.
• Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA. eeckenfe@rush.edu
• Croat. Med. J. 2002 Apr 1; 43 (2): 179183179-83.

AimTo raise questions about how the United States of America, which spends 1.3 trillion dollars on health care, conducts cutting-edge biomedical research, has the most advanced medical technology, and trains a cadre of highly competent health professionals cares for the most vulnerable members of its population.MethodsRelevant statistical data were extrapolated from the most current statistical sources and research reports, and assessed in terms of existing practices and policies.ResultsThe data clearly demonstrated that particular population cohorts -- the elderly, the poor, new immigrants, the homeless, the HIV-positive, and substance abusers -- were especially vulnerable to illness and its consequences.ConclusionSince American medicine, despite all of its science, technology, and clinical competence, operates in a non-system, there is currently no efficacious approach to vulnerability reduction. To turn health care in the U.S. into a high quality, comprehensive, and cost-effective system, government officials, health care planners, and medical practitioners must address a series of fundamental social, economic, and political issues. What other countries, like those in South Eastern Europe, can learn from this is not to duplicate these mistakes.

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