Navigating the U.S. health care system—amid workforce shortages, funding changes, complex insurance claims, conflicting public health information and the influence of viral media—is a significant undertaking for individual consumers, health care providers and policy makers. Arkansas, as a rural state, faces additional hurdles that shape its health care access and landscape. 

The upcoming Honors College Pulse Panel Discussion: Health Care at a Crossroads will bring together faculty and staff with expertise in student health, medical sociology, public policy, health care supply chain and family law to explore the current realities and future possibilities for health care both locally and nationally. The discussion will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 4:30 p.m. in the Honors Student Lounge (GEAR 130).  

“Health Care at the Crossroads is the brainchild of a civic-minded cohort of honors students committed to public health care in multiple ways,” said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College. “These ambitious students are thrilled to have such a panel of faculty experts discussing this vital subject from their own disciplinary perspectives. You won’t want to miss out on this exceptional Pulse for our campus and our community.” 

Faculty who will provide context and lead a question-and-answer session include:   

• Moderator: Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College 

• Huda Sharaf, M.D., medical director for the Path Walker Health Center 

• Daniel Bousquet, assistant professor of law  

• Page Dobbs, associate professor of public health 

• Bart Hammig, professor of public health 

• Michael Nino, associate professor and vice chair of sociology and criminology 

• Claudia Rosales, associate professor of supply chain 

Attendees are invited to enjoy pizza and refreshments during the discussion. The event is open to the entire campus. Please RSVP via Hogsync: https://cglink.me/2uB/r395766 

The Honors College Pulse discussion series began in 2016 and was named in remembrance of victims of the Pulse nightclub shootings. Discussion topics are generated by honors students. The discussions allow students to ask questions about current events and trends and to learn holistically from varying interdisciplinary perspectives across campus. Panel discussions have featured conversations around nuclear proliferation, affirmative action, the Dakota Access Pipeline Project, Roe v. Wade, the viral phenomenon of "Barbenheimer," the legal ramifications and decisions related to hate crimes, ways to fight local hunger and poverty, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and more.