"Readings in American Health Care "is an introduction to the historical development and current status of a wide variety of health care topics. The readings, written by historians, sociologists, economists, physicians, nurses, and public health researchers, are organized in sections: Basic Concepts: mortality trends, concepts of disease, changes in medical therapy Public Health: AIDS, cigarette smoking, preventive medicine, fluoridation Health Care Professions: cardiology, pathology, women in medicine, nursing, podiatry, midwives Health Care Organizations: hospitals, HMOs Mental Illness Financing Health Care Medical Education Issues: abortion, ethical issues, cancer control, prenatal care, home care, the pharmaceutical industry Background Readings: American medicine from 1920 to midcentury. The readings were chosen especially for course use in history, sociology, public health, and related fields, but can also provide useful background reading for anyone interested or involved in American health care. Each selection includes an introduction, questions for the reader, and a bibliography. Scholars and students alike will find the book an invaluable resource."