University of Rochester Medical Center

Rochester City Council member Mitch Gruber and University of Rochester professor Stewart Weaver say the university has recently made strides when it comes to meeting moral obligations, but it can do much more when it comes to those responsibilities in the community. They've written an op-ed for the Democrat and Chronicle about gaps they see.

They join us to discuss their perspectives on the university's role in the community. We also address how other large local employers factor into this issue. Our guests:

• Mitch Gruber, member of Rochester City Council
• Stewart Weaver, professor of history at the University of Rochester, and president of the UR chapter of the American Association of University Professors

Note: Following this conversation, we will invite University of Rochester leaders on the program to respond.

We're joined by local vaccine researchers to discuss the state of COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution in the U.S. Dr. Edward Walsh and Dr. Angela Branche have been involved in vaccine development and trials since the beginning of the pandemic. They join us to discuss vaccine effectiveness, Johnson and Johnson coming online, a Pfizer booster being tested locally, and they answer your questions about vaccines.

Our guests:

• Angela Branche, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and co-director of the Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit at the University of Rochester Medical Center
• Edward Walsh, M.D., professor in the Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and head of infectious diseases at Rochester General Hospital 
  

The University of Rochester Medical Center is ending its Executive Health and special patient services programs, which provide exclusive and extensive care to wealthy patients. The decision came after widespread outrage that major donors were allowed access to a vaccine clinic meant for employees. Among those calling for change were members of the Strong Hospital Ethics Committee. They wrote a letter to UR and URMC leadership, calling for an end to programs of privilege.

This hour, we’re joined by members of the committee to discuss equity in health care. Our guests:

• Marjorie Shaw, J.D., Ph.D., member of the Strong Hospital Ethics Committee, and associate professor in the Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics
• David Kaufman, M.D., member of the Strong Hospital Ethics Committee, and professor in the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, Urology, Medical Humanities and Bioethics, and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
• Jessica Shand, M.D., member of the Strong Hospital Ethics Committee, and associate professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Humanities and Bioethics
• Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, community member of the Strong Hospital Ethics Committee, and American Baptist Pastor