Philadelphia: The Birthplace of Healthcare

How did Benjamin Franklin help launch the pharmaceutical industry? How did Philip Physick, who invented dozens of early surgical instruments, also invent an economic instrument that enabled surgeons to get paid? And how did an idealistic eye doctor at the turn of the century help launch what's now a multi-billion dollar screening industry?
Early Philadelphians transformed the money side of health care. It's too fantastic a story to bring you with radio alone -- so health care reporter Gregory Warner and intern Mara Zepeda corralled Philadelphia artists, actors, historians, botanists and puppeteers to help tell the tale. More Marketplace Money Philadelphia coverage here»

Interactive Project Management, Laris Kreslins, Chatterblast Interactive Development, Eric Harms, Apollo Audio and Data Design, Allen Crawford, Plankton Art. Co.

We would like to thank the following collaborators: the American Philosophical Society, David Barnes, Dona Horowitz-Behren, Bartram's Gardens, City of Philadelphia, Department of Records, City Archives, Greta Greenberger, the Library Company of Philadelphia, Edward T. Morman, Pennsylvania Hospital, Physick House, Pig Iron Theatre Company, Talk-Lenape.org, U.S. National Park Service, White Box Theatre, WHYY, Jim Wilson

This special is supported in part by

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1

Ben Franklin's ties to health care

by
Gregory Warner
Nov 20, 2010
Ben Franklin, to put it simply, did it all: he was a founding father, inventor, diplomat, scientist, satirist, author, statesman, and so on. So is it any surprise that he had a stake in the history of health care? Gregory Warner explains.
Posted In: Health
1

Debating overtreatment or prevention in pregnancy

by
Nov 20, 2010
Being pregnant provides for a whole other spectrum in the health care world: is there such a thing as overtreatment, or is being preventive more important? Even as an informed patient -- as health reporter Kerry Grens was -- the line can be difficult to draw.
Posted In: Health
more »

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1

Ben Franklin's ties to health care

by
Gregory Warner
Nov 20, 2010
Ben Franklin, to put it simply, did it all: he was a founding father, inventor, diplomat, scientist, satirist, author, statesman, and so on. So is it any surprise that he had a stake in the history of health care? Gregory Warner explains.
Posted In: Health
1

Debating overtreatment or prevention in pregnancy

by
Nov 20, 2010
Being pregnant provides for a whole other spectrum in the health care world: is there such a thing as overtreatment, or is being preventive more important? Even as an informed patient -- as health reporter Kerry Grens was -- the line can be difficult to draw.
Posted In: Health
more »

Marketplace Money headed to Philadelphia the birthplace of health care industry - home to the country's first hospital, health insurance, the first teaching hospital - to bring you this special episode focusing on what you need to know to make the best choices about your health care.

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