It’s been a big week for healthcare in Rhode Island. The state’s largest hospital system is changing its name, and two cash-strapped hospitals will soon have a new owner. Also, a new documentary explores the impact of the medical malpractice system on doctors, patients, and our society at large. We talk with a Rhode Island emergency room doctor featured in the film, and one of the documentary’s co-directors. And we hear from the writer and director behind “God Talks to an Agnostic,” a radio play exploring the complicated role of the Black church in the life of a person struggling with their spirituality. Plus: Tips on accessing affordable and reliable internet after the end of the COVID-era Affordable Connectivity program, more highlights from the week in Rhode Island politics, and our picks for what to do this week.
Links:
- State regulators approve, with conditions, sale of two Rhode Island hospitals
- Lifespan will change its name to Brown University Health
- Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for June 21, 2024
- United Way of Rhode Island
- Watch “A World Of Hurt: How Medical Malpractice Fails Everyone” (premieres on Rhode Island PBS June 21)
- “A World Of Hurt: How Medical Malpractice Fails Everyone”
- ‘God Talks to an Agnostic’ through nature in radio play about family and the Black church
- Newport Live presents: Melanie Scholtz & Aaron Rimbui – Jazz From South Africa (June 21)
- The Ruby Sunrise at Contemporary Theater Company (June 21-July 20)
- Puzzical Chairs & Pie with live music by Skyjelly (June 23)
Guests:
- Ian Donnis, The Public’s Radio political reporter
- Courtney Smith, Director of Innovation and Community Outreach at the United Way of Rhode Island
- Viknesh Kasthuri, medical student at Brown University and co-director of “A World of Hurt: How Medical Malpractice Fails Everyone”
- Dr. Gita Pensa, Rhode Island emergency physician and professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Don Mays, writer and director of “God Talks to an Agnostic” radio play
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