The title is the only dull part of next medicine a fascinating look at how americans spend their health care dollars in this persuasive book stanford university doctor bortz an avid marathon runner convincingly argues for more individual responsibility when it comes to preventing illnesses from aids to heart disease. Every year the average american spends about 7300 on medical expenses the typical canadian pays 2700 the briton only 2000 and yet according to the world health organization our healthcare system in terms of total quality ranks thirty eighth in the world right between costa rica and slovenia not only do 40 million americans lack health insurance but more than 200000 die each . Next medicine the science and civics of health walter bortz md compelling argument from a doctor with 50 years of experience demonstrates that a dramatic shift in thinking is necessary to fix our national attitude about health and healthcare emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability in personal health. Next medicine the science and civics of health next medicine is really a manifesto for a revolution in our health care system dr bortz provides a brilliant and damning diagnosis of the maladies that beset our present dysfunctional system and offers a prescription for change that would have transformative effects if it were to be followed. Next medicine this page intentionally left blank next medicine the science and civics of health walter m bortz ii md 1 2011 1 oxford university press inc publishes works that further oxford universitys objective of excellence in research scholarship and education