Part 4: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. James Obney

Close Up Radio

Winchester, OH - Dr. James Obney has spent his life preparing to run a medical system. As a practicing Cardiothoracic surgeon skilled in robotic surgery, he holds a Master of Jurisprudence in health care law, policy, and management from Texas A&M University School of Law, and served 17-years in the military. “I am passionate about learning, and am always learning something new,” shares Dr. Obney. Dr. Obney loves learning and operating so much, he is also trained as a robotic lung surgeon. “Operating robotically is a completely different technique, much less invasive than traditional surgery. With robotic surgery, the surgeon controls up to four different instruments while sitting at a computer console—you’re not even standing next to the patient.,” explains Dr. Obney. Dr. Obney pursued a Master of Jurisprudence degree. “I see a lot that can be improved and it’s a challenge. Health insurance companies currently play a big role running the show. They determine what kind of fees will reimburse for what services. Physicians see allowed fees as independent of the amount of work required. When we seek medical help, we are definitely not going into our doctors who help us and we pay them. That system is gone, and what’s happening, in my mind, is just out of control. So, this is an area that can be debated and addressed through administration. America, by far, offers the very best healthcare in the world in terms of the delivery. I’m still not sure I know how the system got this way, but I hope to help open the debate.” For more information about Dr. James Obney, please email [e-mail]