Michael Moore Gets An Apology From The Insurance Industry

Many people, both in the healthcare field and out of it, are familiar with the work of Michael Moore. His documentaries are controversial and cover a wide and varied number of topics. His most recent film, Sicko, was an expose about the health insurance industry. As you are probably aware, it was met with mixed reviews, but none as negative as the ones given by the health insurance industry.

In a surprising turn of events, Moore was given an apology from one of his staunchest critics. Wendell Potter, a former vice president of corporate communications at CIGNA appeared on Countdown on MSBC alongside Moore and said that he was sorry for the part he played in attacking the movie.

He stated that he had seen the movie with his son at the premiere and was affected deeply by the scathing portrayal of his industry. He claimed that he went through a depression and was deeply conflicted about his continued involvement in the industry. Even though he didn't like being part of the group trying to discredit the filmmaker, it was part of his job, and a part that he isn't proud of.

To his credit, Michael Moore listened and accepted Potters apology. He said that Potter was a “real hero” to stand up for what he thinks is right, even though it means that he won't be working in the insurance industry anymore. Moore went on to say that it was the first time in his 20-year career that an executive had ever admitted his role in discrediting him or his films.

It is interesting to note that the media attention this public apology has gotten has brought the issue of Universal Healthcare Coverage to the forefront. In fact, this past week the World Health Organization launched a global drive for universal health care, stating that over 100 million people enter poverty each year because of an illness or medical bills.

What do you think about this apology? I would love to hear your thought in the comments.

Are you looking for a job in Healthcare? Be sure to visit HealthcareJobSite.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

5 Steps to a Rewarding Health Career

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you want your career in health care to be rewarding, you need to be proactive and take certain steps to keep yourself employable and promotable. Here are 5 things you should do to achieve those goals:

1. Update Your Resume Often. You should review your resume every six months and update it once a year, even if yours is a secure position with a clear advancement track. In these days of downsizing and mergers, you never know who your boss will be or where you'll be assigned. Your resume should reflect your ability to do the job your boss is doing. The opportunity to move up may someday just fall in your lap and your resume should be ready. Remember, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

2. Network Constantly. Exploring and touching base with contacts in and out of your immediate sphere are proven ways to keep your career from stagnating. Join and use social and professional Internet networks. Connect and participate in medical blogs. Contribute articles to medical sites. Keep your ear to the ground for any opportunities that may come up.

3. Join Professional Healthcare Associations. It's a great way to stay up to speed on the latest trends and developments in your field or subfield. If you're a nurse, join the American Nurses Association and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Professional associations can provide information, support and vast networking opportunities.

4. Befriend a Skilled Healthcare Recruiter. Experienced medical recruiters can be a valuable asset. Get to know one or two by their first name. And let them know what you're doing and where you want to take your career. Recruiters know when jobs open up before they hit the grapevine or career page advertisements. Remember, you don't have to change jobs, but the steady stream of information and job openings can give you a leg up when you're ready to advance.

6. Find a Mentor. Connect with a successful healthcare professional, someone who has more experience than you or is one or two rungs up the ladder from you. A mentor can show you the valuable two Ps (procedures and politics) if you're just starting out. Or they can give you a clear view of the terrain if you're considering moving up.

For a guide to healthcare advancement, check out Managing Your Career in the Health Care Industry by Shelly Field.

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsiteblog.com/

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.