Health Care, is it generous enough?

Thursday 11 August 2005

Professor Arthur Frank's account of his own experience with cancer, and those of others' illnesses, has generated important insights in the fields of health, sociology and ethics.

Professor Frank will deliver a public lecture at the University of Newcastle in the Hunter Building, Callaghan campus, on Friday 12 August 2005.

The lecture titled, 'Is Generous Health Care Possible?' will draw on his most recent book 'The Renewal of Generosity: Illness, Medicine and How to Live' (Chicago University Press, 2004) and on the current debate about health care services and how they affect patients and health care staff.

In his book Professor Frank says, "Contemporary Health care often lacks generosity of spirit. Too many patients are left unhappy with how they are treated and too many medical professionals feel estranged from the calling that drew them to medicine."

A Professor of Sociology at the University of Calgary in Canada, Professor Frank's research includes bioethics, first-person illness narratives, and the sociology of health.

Professor Frank will also be leading a workshop on narrative analysis the following day, Saturday 13 August 2005.

The public lecture is part of the Faculty of Health's 'Graduate Student Day 2005', which will include presentations showcasing the Faculty’s latest research.

What: Public Lecture, "Is Generous Health Care Possible?" by Professor Arthur Frank

Where: Room HB13, Hunter Building, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus

When: 10.00 am, Friday 12 August 2005

For more information and interviews with Professor Arthur Frank contact Professor Irena Madjar, School of Nursing and Midwifery on (02) 4921 7043.

Editors Note: Professor Arthur Frank will be available for media interviews on Friday 12 August 2005.