Benjamin Rush Institute

Programs: Bri debate series: student chapters host debates on medical school campuses across the country, allowing audiences to participate in lively and respectful point-counterpoint on propositions designed to invoke critical analysis of the issues. By recruiting high-quality professionals with a range of viewpoints and areas of expertise, we are able to engage a broad audience and go far beyond simply "preaching to the choir". Students are exposed to facts and analyses neglected in their formal curricula.

bri lecture series: student chapters host speakers to address medical students on a wide variety of topics ranging from basic economics, political philosophy, and medical ethics, to current health policy, as well as providing a showcase for both potential and existing free market solutions to our healthcare challenges. Chapters also hold informal lunch time meetings, reading clubs, and discussion groups to deepen their understanding of the issues and study reforms that honor the doctor-patient relationship without sacrificing quality or care.

outreach: this program is to increase awareness of bri and to build collaborative relationships with organizations which share our dedication to the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship and support of free enterprise. Participation includes speaking engagements, conference attendance, networking, exhibition tables, and provision of promotional materials.

chapter development: frequent turnover of student leaders is part of the nature of campus-based chapters. To strengthen continuity as well as establish new chapters requires a constant expenditure of time and resources. Additionally, bri works to identify, train, and support healthcare professionals-in-training to become effective, influential health policy leaders. Central to that development is the annual student leadership conference where we provide students with an understanding of economics and health policy as well as the communication and leadership skills required to promote the doctor-patient relationship as the primary means of delivering quality medical care in their academic environments. The annual student leadership conference is also key to strenthening the efectiveness of the chapters in hosting events and otherwise promoting the bri mission.