Universal Health Care Draws Scholl ’11 to Study in Ireland for a YearWith her self-designed major, student aims to combat social inequality in medical care Mary Scholl ’11 entered Holy Cross with a premedical concentration, with the goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist. That all changed during the second semester of her freshman year while enrolled in Social Inequality in Health taught by sociology professor Edward Thompson. During the seminar, she realized that even if she became a doctor, she would be able to treat only individuals fortunate enough to afford healthcare. Consequently, she created her own major, Health Care Studies, with an even bigger dream: seeing that universal health care in the United States not only becomes a reality, but will work efficiently and effectively. As the debate about health care in America rages, Scholl knows there is no easy fix. That’s the main reason she will be studying this academic year in Ireland, which has nearly universal health care (it is 80 percent public and 20 percent privatized). “I want to stand in solidarity with those who need it most; the people of the world who were not born in affluent circumstances and lack the voice and ability to effectively initiate change,” she wrote in her application essay to Holy Cross’ Study Abroad Program. “I want to work toward justice in a way that touches more people than the occupation of physician permits. I want to implement morals and ethics into a polarized society where only a fraction of people enjoy privileges such as health care.” Scholl, who is also majoring in sociology, will be studying at University College Cork. From her health care observations to exploring her Irish heritage, Scholl is blogging about all of her adventures. She’ll have plenty to write about. In addition to intensely researching the health care system, she plans on joining the paragliding club, getting involved with the charity organization St. Vincent De Paul Society, volunteering in a hospital, and traveling throughout Europe. And, naturally, she would love to see Irish band U2 in concert. The year in Ireland will likely help Scholl, of Syracuse, N.Y., determine exactly what she wants to do after graduation. She says: “I designed the major in Health Care Studies to address the economic, political, and social aspects of health care in the United States so that I will be well prepared after Holy Cross to study and influence health care either through business, policy, law or social work. At this point, I would love to work on health care policy after Holy Cross.”
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August 17, 2009|nm