cover story one
Health Care Reform
A plan that could work
By John Kralewski, PhD, MHA
The current turmoil in our health care delivery system is at a level requiring an immediate and carefully considered response. With so many different components, often in competition and/or conflict with each other, meaningful solutions are difficult to envision. As many critical elements involved with the provision of health care vary widely from state to state, it may well be that restructuring health care in Minnesota can happen only through actions taken in Minnesota and these may be best led by our state governor.
Cover story two
Social Workers in Cancer Care: An important new member of the care team
By Nicole Marcouiller, DSW, LICSW, OSW-C
Comprehensive cancer care is based on the understanding that illness impacts the entire spectrum of the person’s life. Like other chronic and life-limiting illnesses, cancer is not simply a medical issue. When we consider the goals not just of treatment, but of high quality of life, low symptom burden and long-term survivorship, the role of the interdisciplinary care team becomes vital.
Medicine and the Law
Legislative Session Preview: Heavy on Technology and AI Considerations
By David Holt, JD
Every legislative session brings an increasing number of health care issues to the table, and this year is no exception. As the intersection of technology, insurance and patient care becomes more complex, understanding these proposed changes is more critical than ever for the physician community. Minnesota finds itself at a crossroads: does it double down on the managed care models of the last thirty years, or does it pivot toward a decentralized, tech-regulated future?
Interview
Excellence, Integrity and Collaboration
Kirsten Johansen, MD, president Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
Legislation
Therapeutic Use of Psilocybin: Legislation to create a new state program
By
Jessica L. Nielson, PhD
44-year-old Minnesota patient presents for follow-up of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Over the past decade, multiple antidepressants have been trialed across several medication classes. Augmentation strategies produced partial response but intolerable side effects. The patient completed structured psychotherapy, maintains employment and continues to experience persistent anhedonia, emotional blunting and intermittent passive suicidal ideation. Near the end of the visit, the patient asks a question that is becoming increasingly common in clinical settings across the state:
