Doctors, Hospitals, and Healthcare in Old Time Radio

The study and practice of the medical sciences are among the noblest of all endeavors. The human organism is a wonderful and fascinating mechanism, and many practitioners are attracted to their calling for its scientific wonders. Others are called when they discover that they have a talent for easing the suffering of their fellowmen. That being said, it should be pointed out that the golf courses of America are hardly populated by legions of poor doctors.

This is not an indictment of medical men profiting from their years of intensive study and sacrifice. Going to medical school for the money is a rare phenomenon, there are easier and more dependable ways to amass a fortune. Doctors are deservedly well compensated for their services, but of the billions of dollars generated by the healthcare industry relatively little goes into the pockets of medical doctors.

Nearly 18% of the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is taken by the health care industry. Healthcare costs in the US are largely covered by employer-provided health insurance providers. The system can be very beneficial for those within the system, but there is a huge potential for trouble for those who do not have insurance. In many nations, healthcare is provided by the state. In these cases, the quality and promptness of care are often called into question, but supporters of the state-run model point out that the majority of patients get the care they need, if not what they want.

There are still places where medical care is provided on a pay-as-you-can basis. Theoretically, no medical institution would turn a patient away if there is an urgent need. In actuality, the poor in these nations are often denied medical treatments because they cannot pay for them.

No matter how it is paid for, at its heart the medical industry is based on doctors seeing and treating patients.

• Heroes of Civilization, Program #26, 1936. "Galen". The show examines the life and accomplishments of Roman physician and philosopher Galen, the man who brought science into the science of medicine.
• The Cavalcade of America, May 26, 1941. "Johns Hopkins". After Hopkins' father frees the families' slaves, Johns is forced to quit school and go into business. He sets the goal of earning enough money so that he can open a school that will be open to those who do not have money. He becomes a successful banker, merchant, and railroad baron, but his greatest accomplishment is the hospital and university that bear his name.
• Fibber McGee and Molly, February 15, 1944. Handwriting analysis reveals that McGee could have been a great physician because he has "the common touch". Suddenly, the Wistful Vista gang is awash in symptoms, and Fibber and his common touch are all over them.
• The Radio Reader's Digest, May 1, 1947, "Dr. Mike". John Garfield stars as a kid from the streets of the Bronx who put himself through night school and became a doctor. His practice in the old neighborhood does not make a lot of money but there are more important rewards. A clinic is opening on Park Avenue which promises to spend half its time treating poor people, and they want Dr. Mike to join the staff.