Table of Contents

FEATURES

40 The Overtreated American

More health care means healthier lives for all of us, right? Not according to a team of Dartmouth researchers led by Dr. John Wennberg. They're proving that the excess care many Americans receive not only perpetuates the status quo of the uninsured—it may be shortening lives. By Shannon Brownlee

46 Rethinking Robert Frost

On the 40th anniversary of the poet's death, an alum recalls his encounters with the man and his myth as he experienced them on campus during the 19605. By Mike O'Connell '65

52 Simply Seth

He writes. He sings. He paints. He collects. Now he's readyto be a rock star. The many faces of Seth Swirsky '82. By Jennifer Wulff '96

DEPARTMENTS

Letters12

Raves and rants from readers.

Notebook

28 CAMPUS

News from around the Green.

32 INTERVIEW

Economics professor Andrew Samwick describes his work with President Bush's Council of Economic Advisors. BY CHARLES WHEELAN '88

34 PERSONAL HISTORY

An anatomy course provides unexpected lessons in'humility for a young alum studying to be a doctor. By Kirsten Andrews '97

36 OUTSIDE

A winter hunting trip to the Second College Grant evokes memories of a Pete Blodgett '25 tradition. By Nelson Bryant '46

Alumni News

56 NEWSMAKERS

62 THE CLASSES

91 CLUBS

92 OBITUARIES

Continuing Ed 96

Illinois Senator Peter Fitzgerald '82 on the art of politics. By Lisa Furlong

ON THE COVER Illustration by Craig Frazier

Dartmouth Alumni Magazine is published bimonthly six times a year. Subscription price: $26.00 per year. Printed in the U.S.A. by The Lane Press Inc., 1000 Hinesburg Road, South Burlington, VT 05403 (Postal Number: 148-560). Periodical postage paid in Hanover, N.H., and additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2003 Dartmouth College. Dartmouth Alumni Magazine is owned and published by Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 and is produced in cooperation with the Dartmouth Class Secretaries Association. The purposes of the Magazine are to report news of the College and its alumni, provide a medium for the exchange of views concerning College affairs, and in other ways provide editorial content that relates to the shared and diverse experiences and interests of Dartmouth alumni. This publication is guided by Dartmouth's principles of freedom of expression and accepted standards of good taste. Opinions expressed are those of the signed contributors and do not neces sarily represent the opinions of the editors or the official position of Dartmouth College. Postmaster: Send address changes, Form 3579, to Dartmouth Alumni Records Office, Dartmouth College, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, NH 03755-3555.

Renaissance Man Seth Swirsky '82