NYC Gazette

This spring semester, Dr. Tevi Troy, a Senior Scholar and Director at the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, is instructing a course on health policy within the political science department. Dr. Troy, who previously held the position of Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, offers students exposure to real-life policy issues, case studies, and simulations, equipping them to handle the multifaceted dimensions of public health.

The curriculum addresses a range of topics, including vaccine distribution, the Affordable Care Act, pharmaceutical pricing, and bioterrorism preparedness. Students are engaged with contemporary events, such as the "recent murder of a UnitedHealth executive," which underscores the relevance of the subject matter.

Guest speakers with extensive backgrounds from various sectors have been convened by Dr. Troy to enrich the learning experience. Health journalist Fran Kritz from Forbes and NPR provided perspectives on the "COVID-19 pandemic’s legacy" and shared insights on maintaining a balance between faith and professional obligations in policymaking. Lloyd Green, a political commentator for The Guardian, recounted the initial days of the pandemic in New Rochelle, exploring the complexities of public health crises. Justine Handelman, an executive with Blue Cross, examined the "sobering assessment of America’s health insurance ecosystem," highlighting the regulatory and financial challenges present.

Advancing their understanding, students have had the opportunity to interact with former policymakers such as Jay Lefkowitz and Dan Troy, who discussed crucial issues on mentorship, public service, and ethical dilemmas experienced within executive roles.

The course includes simulation activities, such as a mock FDA approval process orchestrated by Dr. Bob Goldberg from the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest. During this exercise, students deliberated over the hypothetical approval of a stem cell treatment, playing roles including regulators and industry leaders. The simulated therapy was ultimately approved following in-depth discussions.

In a climate of ongoing health policy disputes and debates over government's role in healthcare, this course integrates detailed policy analysis with moral considerations. It serves to further the Straus Center’s mission to develop YU students as intellectual leaders knowledgeable in both Jewish and contemporary secular thought.