Inspired by a true story, ‘Conversations for Paco,’ dramatizes effects of profit-driven health care
LAS VEGAS — Physician and author Dr. James Lenhart will sign his book, “Conversations for Paco,” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at the Barnes & Noble located at 2191 N. Rainbow Blvd.
Inspired by a true account, the book juxtaposes the venerable institutions of medicine against the personal anguish of mysterious disease and dramatizes the consequences of health care driven by profit and physician indifference. Lenhart’s fictional work is inspired by true stories and real life characters gathered from 30 years of patient care, health care experiences and academic medical center rituals.
The United States spends more on health care than any country on earth, yet worldwide ranks 31st in healthy life expectancy and 41st in infant mortality. Fifty million working Americans lack access to care, and 19 percent of Nevadans go without health insurance.
Experts agree that many factors contribute to this reality. Lenhart’s book tackles two of them – the ethos and entrepreneurialism that characterize health care in the 21st century.
Inspired by the do-it-all physicians in his home state of Montana, Lenhart went on to study medicine at the University of New Mexico and Brown University. Modeling his own practice after the doctors who inspired him, Lenhart takes pride in his versatility and personal attention he gives while caring for patients.
Now a first-time author, Lenhart hopes to expand his ability to care for patients by writing about social policies on health care. His passion for helping people stay healthy has led to his hosting the “Healthline Today” segment on KSNV, Las Vegas’ NBC affiliate, and the writing of his first novel, “Conversations for Paco.”