Master

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The American Conversation Series was established last semester at Shepherd University, as an opportunity for a panel of experts from across the political spectrum to civilly discuss their opinions.

While the first two events in the series were general in focus, allowing for a broader discussion of political concerns, the third event in the series will have a central topic, according to Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute Director David Welch.

“It’s going to be our third forum in the American Conversation Series, titled ‘Healthcare: The Issue of Our Time,'” Welch said on Monday afternoon. “It’s our first one that we’ve decided to have on a single issue. The others have been more general, but healthcare is the dominant presidential issue in the current race, so we need to discuss it.”

According to Welch, many Americans are only exposed to brief explanations of what healthcare options are available. The details are often left unexplained, which leads to many of the options being misunderstood or backed without a thorough understanding of the implications of that healthcare option. The forum, which will be held on March 12 in the Frank Center Theater from 6:30 to 8 p.m., will give ample time to give each of its three panelists time to discuss their viewpoints.

“We don’t have big names speaking at this forum, but they are all high quality, well-informed experts,” Welch said. “Healthcare has become a significant portion of the economy, and it has become a huge burden for Americans. We don’t shy away from debate, but the key is that it is constructive debate. Healthcare has become so expensive, that it is a burden to many families, and sometimes too expensive for them to pay for.”

Turner

The three panelists are Grace-Marie Turner, Richard Master and Len Nichols. Master has been featured on a number of documentaries for his defense of Single Payer Healthcare, and will represent the business sector’s viewpoint on healthcare. Turner will represent an academic viewpoint of healthcare, with a market-driven approach, as the founder and president of the Galen Institute. Nichols, as a professor health policy at George Mason University and director of the Center for Health Policy Research and Ethics, helped develop the legislation for the Affordable Care Act. The event will be moderated by Susan Dentzer, president and chief executive officer of the Network for Excellence in Health Innovation.

“I look forward to learning more about each viewpoint, along with the audience at the forum,” Welch said. “We don’t shy away from debate during the forums, but they key is that it is constructive debate. I am really passionate about the institute being a center of debate and civil discussion.”

The forum will be followed by a reception, during which attendees can discuss the forum contents and meet the panelists. RSVP for the free event at 304-876-5005 or by visiting www.eventbrite.com/e/healthcare-the-issue-of-our-time-tickets-92036765443?fbclid=IwAR2Xb-rDX4qNgtfsBpsapbBn1H3NQpQNVLs6nqAA3_saZI–YnfVO2PXxew.

Nichols