MPR news and documentary programming highlighting medical and political commentary on the changing landscape of American health care. Minnesota is not only home to Mayo Clinic, UCare, and Hazelden, it has been at the forefront of the health discussion, from the state’s historic tobacco settlement case to the idea of prepaid health plans (later known as HMOs).
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.
November 7, 1989 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Rural Health Care,” John Biewen looks at the struggle to get doctors in rural Minnesota. Biewen interviews numerous medical professionals about the issue.
November 8, 1989 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Rural Health Care,” Rachel Raebe visits Browerville, Minnesota to see how town is coping after losing its hospital. Only an empty building remains.
November 9, 1989 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Rural Health Care,” Leif Enger reports on how rural health administration officials have found creative ways in bringing in money with non-traditional duties.
November 10, 1989 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Rural Health Care,” John Biewen reports from Mankato’s Immanuel Saint Joseph's Hospital, a regional hospital that is used as a resource to surrounding rural communities without local hospital specialty options. Biewen also looks at Mankato physicians traveling into rural areas.
June 17, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Arthur Kaplan, professor in the Departments of Philosophy and Surgery at University of Minnesota, about the ethics behind when a doctor who is HIV positive should disclose to patients.
October 16, 1991 - Midday’s Bob Potter interviews C. Everett Koop, the former U.S. Surgeon General. Topics of discussion include senate confirmation hearings, abortion, and his book "Koop: The Memoirs of America's Family Doctor." Koop also answers listener questions.
November 1, 1991 - Minnesota Public Radio presents “Choosing Death,” a documentary which examines the issues of doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia. Documentary includes interviews with patients, doctors, ethicists, and a visit to Holland, the only country in the world where euthanasia is performed openly.
November 7, 1991 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rachel Reabe reports on the foster care of developmentally disabled in Stearns County, Minnesota. Reabe interviews a foster care provider and government officials.
January 29, 1992 - Minnesota U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the national health insurance debate.
March 9, 1992 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy presents a report on Healthright, a state health insurance plan being strategized at the State Capitol. The plan would assist the uninsured working poor.