Dr. Rand Paul was a candidate for the Republican party nomination for President in 2016. He suspended his campaign before the party convention. He continues to serve as Senator from Kentucky.
In 2016 I wrote about the 3 physicians who ran for President of the United States that year. None of them won but one of them, Dr. Rand Paul, serves in the Senate for his home state of Kentucky
Please note: posts on this blog about political figures are written for information and education only, and do not imply endorsement unless otherwise stated.
Randall “Rand” Paul, M.D., opthalmologist
Dr. Rand Paul was a candidate for the Republican party nomination for President in 2016. He suspended his campaign before the party convention. He continues to serve as Senator from Kentucky.
About Dr. Paul
Dr. Paul graduated from Duke University Medical School.
He was elected Senator from Kentucky in 2010.
He is married, has 3 children, and coached his children in Little League baseball, soccer and basketball.
His father Dr. Ron Paul is an obstetrician/gynecologist, has served in the House of Representatives, and also ran for President.
He provides eye surgery free of charge to people unable to pay in his home state of Kentucky.
He has traveled around the world as a volunteer eye surgeon, providing care to people unable to pay; a recent trip was to Guatemala. He has received awards for his humanitarian work.
A large part of Dr. Paul’s daily work as an ophthalmologist was dedicated to preserving the vision of our seniors. In 2002, The Twilight Wish Foundation recognized Dr. Paul for Outstanding Service and Commitment to Seniors.
Dr. Paul’s entrance into politics is indicative of his life’s work as a surgeon: a desire to diagnose problems and provide practical solutions, whether it be in Bowling Green, Ky., or Washington, D.C.
Senator Paul’s stand on health issues (as stated on his website)
I am 100% pro-life. I believe life begins at conception and that abortion takes the life of an innocent human being. It is the duty of our government to protect this life as a right guaranteed under the Constitution.
There are many in Washington who give lip service to the Second Amendment, but vote to restrict gun ownership once they begin serving in public office. Gun control laws only restrict access to responsible gun ownership.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) – commonly known as “Obamacare” (P.L. 111-148), rapidly expanded the powers of government into the health care system. Since the passage of Obamacare, states, businesses, and other institutions have filed Constitutional challenges to many of the burdensome provisions of the law.
another book by Senator Paul
Senator Paul and COVID-19
The Republican lawmaker tested positive for the virus in March 2020, becoming the first case of COVID-19 in the Senate.
“I appreciate all the best wishes I have received,” Dr. Paul said in an interview. “I have been retested and I am negative. I have started volunteering at a local hospital to assist those in my community who are in need of medical help, including coronavirus patients. Together we will overcome this.”
Dr. Paul, an opthalmologist, has been outspoken with opinions about SARS-CoV-2 and its management, often clashing with Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert and head of infectious disease at the NIH.
exploring the HEART of health
Use these links to share the heart of health wherever you connect.
Register to vote before your state’s deadline. Please exercise your right to vote and make your voice heard. If you are concerned about the risk of contracting coronavirus at a polling site, explore other options in your community. With proper precautions in person voting can be safe.
The 2020 Presidential election is underway. Even though the polls don’t open until November 3, many are already voting by mail or absentee. The candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden debated several important issues in their September 29 meeting, including the country’s COVID-19 management. Two more debates are scheduled in October but the status is unclear now that Mr. Trump has been hospitalized with COVID-19. The Vice Presidential candidates’ debate is still scheduled as of October 5.
Election 2008-ObamaCare
Health care was a major issue in the 2008 election and proved to be momentous. In his campaign, the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, promised health care reform and as President he delivered with the passage of the Affordable Care Act,the first time Americans have had universal health care. This election’s candidates also make promises about health care.
Election 2016
In a post from 2016 I compared the then candidates’ health care proposals. I thought it would be interesting to look back at what Mr. Trump said then, along side what his opponent Mrs. Clinton said. As you well know, Mr. Trump defeated Mrs. Clinton , although she won the popular vote.
The White House, home of the President (photo from the Lightstock website )
This summary of what each candidate proposed came from their official websites. I didn’t add my opinion or commentary, nor endorsement of either one.
I also looked at the healthcare views of two third party candidates, one of whom is a physician; comparing all proposals, you will see that Americans hold widely differing opinions about health and health care.
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Bring down out-of-pocket costs for copays, deductibles and prescription drugs
Expand access to care for low income groups, immigrants and rural populations.
Defend access to reproductive health care.
As President, Mrs. Clinton will work with Congress to
Fight addiction and substance abuse with prevention, treatment and recovery programs and reforming the criminal justice system handling of offenders.
Set a goal to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer’s Disease by 2025. Help those affected and their families get the care they need.
Create an AIDS/HIV policy to increase research, expand treatment options, increase health care financial options for those affected, and eliminate discriminatory laws.
Develop an “autism initiative” to expand insurance coverage, increase funding for research, early identification and intervention, employment opportunities, and school safety.
Commit to fully implement the Americans with Disabilities Act, and increase support for persons with disabilities and their families.
Under the heading of health Mrs. Clinton includes her positions and proposals for
Climate change
Women’s rights and opportunity
Support for veterans, the military and their families
“Medicare for all”, single payer health care system for everyone, with no premiums, co-pays or deductibles.
Eliminate private health insurance.
Decrease prescription drug costs
Full access to contraceptive and reproductive care, including morning after contraception
Invest in community health infrastructure- organic food, renewable energy
Prioritize prevention by encouraging physical activity, improving nutrition and minimizing environmental pollution
Libertarian- Gary Johnson, businessman, former Governor of New Mexico
Mr. Johnson’s website had little information about his health care proposals, so I am also including items from the Libertarian party’s website.
The party supports
a free-market healthcare system where the individual is free to choose everything related to health care- insurance, doctors, treatments, medication, end-of-life care
the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines
abortion as a private decision up to the individual’s conscience and not regulated by the government
Mr. Johnson
opposes mandatory vaccination
supports the legalization and regulation of marijuana.
exploring the HEART of healthcare
I snapped the photos of the “Oval Office” during a tour of the Reagan Presidential Library a few years go. I have also visited the Nixon and Kennedy Libraries. These surprised and intrigued me-visually compelling ways to review their terms of office from a historical perspective. I wonder what the future Trump library will unfold?
And if you have not registered to vote, please do so before your state’s deadline. And once registered, please exercise your right to vote and make your voice heard.
If you are concerned about the risk of contracting coronavirus at a polling site, explore other options in your community. With proper precautions in person voting can be safe. these include.
mask wearing
social distance at least 6 feet
outdoor locations when possible
handwashing
staying home if exposed or sick
Use these links to share the heart of health wherever you connect.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 
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