UE’s April Think Outside the Lunch Box to Discuss “U.S. Health Care: The Facts Behind the Fight”

In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Two years later, the health care reform legislation remains a national controversy, and its constitutionality was debated this week in the Supreme Court.

The University of Evansville’s Think Outside the Lunch Box Faculty Speaker Series will conclude for the 2011-12 academic year with “U.S. Health Care: The Facts Behind the Fight,” a presentation by William B. Stroube, director and professor of health services administration.

Stroube will speak at noon on Thursday, April 5, in the Blue & Gold Room on the first floor of Old National Bank’s headquarters in Downtown Evansville. The event is free and open to the public.

“Through all of the public discourse about recent legislation, it’s important for Americans to keep certain facts in mind about our country’s health care system,” said Stroube. “For example, many people say they want the government to stay out of health care, but they may not realize that the government pays for almost half of all health care costs in the nation through programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Veterans Affairs. Furthermore, our per-capita health care spending far exceeds other developed countries, and many argue the care may not be as good.”

“By comparing and contrasting the U.S. health care system with other countries’ systems,” Stroube added, “I hope to provide some information that is missing in the national dialogue over the current legislation.”

Before joining the University of Evansville faculty in 1998, Stroube spent 12 years in management positions in the pharmaceutical industry, and eight years at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C.

Stroube has authored and co-authored over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. His research and teaching interests include international health care issues, health care marketing and strategy, health care regulatory issues, medical ethics, and public health.

Stroube has extensive international experience leading student groups through several health care systems. Since 2000, he has taught 15 summer classes in England, China, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. He has spent a total of four months in China during the past four years, including teaching five-week courses in Hangzhou, China during the summers of 2009 and 2011. His popular comparative health systems courses in England have been attended by health care professionals and students from over 20 universities.

He holds a BS in chemistry from Murray State University, an MBA in finance from the University of Maryland, and a PhD in analytical and nuclear chemistry from the University of Kentucky.

UE’s Think Outside the Lunch Box Faculty Speaker Series is in its second year and is typically held the first Thursday of every month. After a summer break, the 2012-13 series will resume in October.

“One of the great things about an institution of higher learning such as the University of Evansville is our intellectual capital — our faculty’s depth of knowledge on a wide variety of subjects,” said UE President Thomas A. Kazee. “This series is a tremendous opportunity to partner with the community and share expert perspectives on current issues.”

Stroube will speak for about 30 minutes, with 15 minutes allotted for questions and answers. Attendees are welcome to eat lunch during the presentation. There is a restaurant conveniently located in the Old National Bank lobby.