No One Was Turned Away: The Role of Public Hospitals in New York City Since 1900

Having spent most of my life in inner city academic medical institutions, I thought I knew much about the healthcare of the underprivileged. Having never worked in a truly public hospital, however, it wasn't until I read Opdyke's very readable book comparing a traditional academic, private hospital (New York Hospital) with a public one (Bellvue) that I could understand the real difference between the two. The book is well-written and easily read. There are sufficient facts to support her premises. It is a mark the book's worth, that I only lament that the author condensed some time periods that could have been even more detailed. Still, this is a must read for anyone commited to healthcare, but who has never had the experience of working in a public hospital. It raises many important issues that must be solved if universal healthcare is ever to become a reality in this country. Five stars!