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May 1996
Volume 60 |
Number 5
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| Letters to the
Editor |
In Defense of the NEWSLETTER
The Letter to the Editor from R. David Farris, M.D., in the March
1996 issue of the ASA NEWSLETTER ["No Support for
Shortsightedness"] made me realize that perhaps grassroots
communication is not what it could or should be in my own community,
namely Portland, Oregon, where Dr. Farris practices.
The letter implies that he is "not pleased" with some
of the subject matter provided for ASA members in the NEWSLETTER;
however, it is the goal of the NEWSLETTER to inform all
ASA members of the various issues that pertain to our membership.
Perhaps I should remind Dr. Farris that the key contacts from
the states have been diligent in attempting to inform and communicate
with our members of Congress. I should also share with Dr. Farris
that there is ample opportunity to be heard, make a difference
and participate in the changes that confront anesthesiologists
on a daily basis. Those changes may be environmental, economic,
legislative, political and too many more to mention.
I do not believe that the ASA NEWSLETTER attempts to profess
self-interest but attempts to provide an overview of ASA interests
and activities to the membership - urban/rural, practicing/academic,
resident/practitioner, male/female. Each issue of the NEWSLETTER
provides us with features (e.g., HIV/AIDS epidemic), Annual Meeting
reports, a Washington review, economics and practice management
as well as articles, announcements and awards. Perhaps a future
feature will address "The Environmental Effect on Our Lives,"
which may or not be related to the Contract "With" America.
As I write this Letter to the Editor, the February 26 issue of
American Medical Association News (Vol. 39, No. 8) addresses
some of the issues at risk if Congress and the White House fail
to agree on fiscal 1996 funding. Currently, the measure is stalled
in the Senate, and budget cutters appear to be pulling away from
the environmental protection programs because of the public support
of these programs.
This is an election year. Oregon has another senator to elect
and representatives to elect or re-elect. The anesthesiologists
of the component society of Oregon would welcome your input and
energy to address issues that affect us all. Hey, David, let's
talk!
Joanne Jene, M.D.
Portland, Oregon
ASA Assistant Secretary
A Second Three-Generation Lineage
I take exception to Curtis Caine's letter in the February 1996 NEWSLETTER.
The Stein family for one is another family with a third-generation
anesthesiologist. My daughter Susan K. Stein, D.O., is the third
anesthesiologist in our family succeeding both yours truly and her
grandfather, Hermann B. Stein, M.D.
I believe that Patrick Sim in the Wood Library-Museum may know of
other three-generation anesthesiology families.
Donald W. Stein, M.D.
Tucson, Arizona
Editor's Note: Patrick Sim advises that, to his knowledge as Librarian
for the Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology for 25 years, the
Caine and Stein families are the only "three-generation dynasties"
of anesthesiologists.
- E.L.
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