Blogs

Millennials, democracy, and the importance of civic virtue

Millennials, democracy, and the importance of civic virtue

Shant Eghian

Now that the millennial generation is coming of age, many are attempting to understand what it means to be a citizen in the United States of America. Is the system we have now really as wonderful as we've been told, or is it just too inherently flawed to work properly? Does the phrase, "American exceptionalism" have any meaning behind it, or is it ultimately an empty term? Given the chaotic election season so far, can the American system still function in the 21st century, or is it time for radical change?

To explore these questions, I interviewed four millennials who have been actively engaged in political causes, whether seeking a career in politics or advocating passionately for what they see as important issues. At the heart of my interviews, I specifically wanted to ask them what they thought of democracy, which we are taught from a young age to be one of the greatest American values.

Telemedicine: The future of healthcare
News

Telemedicine: The future of healthcare

Lauren Corvese

Telemedicine sounds a bit like science-fiction, but the practice is far from fictitious. Many Massachusetts doctors practice telemedicine every day, as it is quickly gaining popularity. Telemedicine involves providing healthcare services through technology, rather than in-person (think of a video call, like Skype). What seems like a logical step toward efficiency in healthcare has become a heated debate on Beacon Hill over how to pay for it.

It's hard to argue against the benefits of telemedicine. First is its convenience: with telemedicine there is no traffic, no babysitter needed, no time taken off work and no gas consumed. With much of the stress of in-person visits eliminated, patients are more likely to seek care.  It's like a return to the house call, only through virtual means.

Read More