GEORGE FOX TALKS

Professor and social worker Steffanie Altenbern joins Brian on an expedition through the “maze” of healthcare in the United States, a system they argue has become too complicated for the average person to navigate without help. Join us as we explore the reasons why, the impact on patients and providers, and some practical steps we can take to get the care we need. 

Steffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/faculty/altenbern.html

Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html

Stand up comedy bit on American healthcare: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIclMKPyTuS

“Uncompensated care crisis”: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/oct/expiring-premium-tax-credits-lead-340000-jobs-lost-2026
https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-what-to-watch-in-2026/

“Healthcare anxiety”:
https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/kff-health-tracking-poll-health-care-costs-expiring-aca-tax-credits-and-the-2026-midterms/

“Rural Care Deserts”:
https://www.aha.org/environmentalscan

“Alorithm Bias”:
https://naacp.org/resources/building-healthier-future-designing-ai-health-equity
https://dhinsights.org/news/naacp-releases-blueprint-to-tackle-bias-in-healthcare-ai

If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Creators and Guests

Host
Brian Doak
Vice President of George Fox Digital, Professor of Biblical Studies

What is GEORGE FOX TALKS?

Accessible and academically driven discussion on the topics of theology, wellness, culture, and travel. This podcast is presented by faculty and friends of George Fox University in Newberg, OR.