Column: Med students battle over health reform

Two medical students give their opinions on the current health care reform bills moving through Congress.

Iyah Romm: We did not go to medical school to spend hours pleading with claims specialists for an ultrasound of a young mother with suspicious breast lumps, or for coverage of an essential, non-formulary drug for a hardworking father with multiple sclerosis. We are trained in evidence-based medicine, not insurance-based medicine. We are not driven to don our white coats to tell a college student struggling with addiction that, "we're sorry, but your insurance only covers three days of in-patient substance abuse treatment, you have to go home now," knowing well that she will likely go back to using. We see patients discharged from the hospital just days after open-heart surgery, with nowhere to go, and nobody to care for them. It should not be a surprise to anyone that many such patients end up right back in the hospital.

Will Ramsey: As a Christian, I desire for my life to be a testimony to the glory of God. I hope my convictions about the health care bill honor God, but, I want to be careful not to present these judgments as biblical. The bible does not talk about H.R. 3200 and so spiritual discernment in this case is difficult. However, as I ponder how best to serve my God, my neighbors and my country, I find myself in opposition to this bill. I am concerned that it will inevitably worsen the current health care dilemma facing America.