The Outcomes Group is a small, close-knit group of physician researchers and fellows from a variety of clinical disciplines. Although we were each trained in the conventional clinical culture, we share a common concern about the excesses of American medicine. We question the assumption that patients always stand to gain from having more health care. We are concerned about advertising and other messages that exaggerate the benefit of health care and minimize the harm (or ignore it entirely). And we are troubled by the increasing enthusiasm for seeking diagnoses in the well and initiating interventions for those identified as "sick".

The Outcomes Group is housed in contiguous offices in a small rural VA hospital and is an integral part of Dartmouth Medical School. We value straightforward analysis and clear communication -- both in prose and visual presentation. Our strategy is frequent, informal feedback on each others work. We also value having a good time and have, on occasion, been known to make fun of each others work. We enjoy what we do and each other.