How do the laws, politics, and policy of healthcare impact your doctor’s ability to take care of you as a patient? Richard Menger M.D. MPA is a board-certified-fellowship-trained neurosurgeon serving as Chief of Complex Spine Surgery and Vice Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of South Alabama. He focuses on complex spine and scoliosis surgery in children and adults, performing over 375 surgeries annually. Menger holds a joint academic appointment in the Department of Political Science. He graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (MPA) where he was awarded the Hale Champion Public Service Fellowship. He is the lead editor of the textbook The Business, Policy, and Economics of Neurosurgery. Views are his own and do not represent any institution or affiliation.
What Health Risks Face The NASA Artemis II Moon Mission Astronauts?
Radiation, lunar dust and microgravity pose real risks to Artemis II astronauts. Here is what NASA is doing to keep crews safe
New Bipartisan Bill And Physician Pay Cuts: What Patients Need To Know
Physician payment cuts threaten independent practices. This harms patients in three serious ways. A bipartisan bill in Congress can help protect doctors and patients.
Should Nonprofit Hospitals Use Tax Breaks To Name Sports Stadiums?
Nonprofit hospitals get tax breaks. Should they be using that money to buy stadium naming rights? Why should patients care about hospital tax breaks?
Alabama Hospital Price Transparency: Only 54% Offer A Cost Calculator
How much will my hospital care cost? What are the different prices between hospitals? Why is it so hard to know my hospital bill? Why aren't hospital prices transparent?
USA Hockey’s Golden Grin: What Happens When Hockey Players Lose Teeth
Jack Hughes lost some teeth leading USA Hockey to the gold medal against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. But, what actually happens when hockey players loose teeth?
Did The Trump Administration’s Medicare Proposal Cause UnitedHealth Stock To Drop 20%?
Why did UnitedHealth stock fall 20%? What did President Trump say about 2027 Medicare Rates? What does a UnitedHealth stock crash mean for patients and investors?
Why Is It So Hard To Get Opioid Refills? A Neurosurgeon Explains
How does your doctor actually prescribe opioid medication? Why is it hard to get a refill? What are the best solutions to help patients with pain?
5 Ways To Prevent Back Pain This Holiday Season: A Neurosurgeon’s Guide
Why is there more back pain during the holidays? How can I prevent back pain during the holidays? When should I be worried about my back pain?
Why Is My Doctor’s Appointment So Rushed? A Neurosurgeon Explains
Why does my doctor's appointment feel so rushed? Are there enough doctors? What are the incentives that drive doctors to see a lot of patients? Who is to blame?
Will Elon Musk’s Robot Perform Surgery? A Neurosurgeon Explains
Will Elon Musk's Tesla robot be able to perform surgery? What does this mean for patients? And, how are surgeons currently using robots in surgery?
