A Conversation with Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy

Description

Associated Program:
John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum
Speakers:
Vivek H. Murthy
Co-Sponsors:
Center for Public Leadership
HKS Healthcare Policy Program
Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy

The Seymour E. and Ruth B. Harris Lecture by
Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy
United States Surgeon General

Amitabh Chandra (Moderator)
Malcolm Wiener Professor of Social Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
Director of Health Policy Research, Harvard Kennedy School

Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, United States Surgeon General and Harvard Alumnus joined Amitabh Chandra, the Malcolm Wiener Professor of Social Policy and Director of Health Policy Research at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government at the JFK Jr. Forum for a conversation about America's healthcare challenges. Murthy offered inspiring insight on America's healthcare issues relating to gun violence, opioid addiction, and changes to healthcare laws under the new administration. He stated that healthcare coverage must be protected and expanded, as 2.8 million Americans suffer from substance abuse, which is double the amount of people suffering from cancer, yet only 1/10 people are receiving treatment, which would never be permitted for cancer patients. However, Murthy is optimistic about future progress, stating that healthcare is a bipartisan issue, and that the next goal is to rebuild America's connections. He concluded the Forum with an eloquent and inspiring call for young students to pursue careers in government to create real change.