September 1997
Volume 61 |
Number 9
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| Letters to the
Editor |
Apologies to the Welsh
Regarding the article about Michael J. Cousins, M.D., on page
10 of the July ASA
NEWSLETTER, we Welsh Americans, an acknowledged oppressed
minority and victim group, would prefer that our great national
university in Cardiff, Wales, be referred to as the "Welsh
National University" rather than "Welch." An early
correction of this error will obviate the necessity of remedial
action by the Welsh Nationalist Army. Thank you.
C.M. Andrew Bell, M.B.
Tacoma, Washington
Editor's Note:With due apologies to our Welsh colleagues,
I accept responsibility for a most grievous oversight. Please
be assured that all future references will be spelled correctly.
Please withhold "remedial action."
- E.L
Hockey Puk-Chaser
A substantial number of investigations concerning postoperative
nausea and vomiting appear in the peer-reviewed literature. I
write to recount a humorous moment that may bring the readers
a smile while at the same time confirming the relevance of these
investigations.
Our family has a substantial interest in hockey and, as a result,
we decided to adorn our van with a "vanity plate" that
revealed our interest: "PUK CHSR." On the day that the
plate appeared on the back of the vehicle, a neighbor approached
me and said with sincerity, "What a perfect license for an
anesthesiologist, 'Puke Chaser.'"
I see anesthesiologists first and foremost as purveyors of pain
prevention/relief. There is obviously something else that comes
quickly to mind when my neighbor contemplates anesthesia.
John C. Drummond, M.D.
Del Mar, California
From an Eagle-Eyed Reader
There is an incongruity in the otherwise wonderful cover of the
July 1997 issue, which depicts Balboa Park in San Diego.
The hummingbird in the lower right corner feeding from the flowers
bears the markings of a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. This species
is not found in the western United States, according to the Peterson
Guide. The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird, which also has a red chin,
is found in the Rocky Mountains, not the San Diego area.
The most likely hummingbird to be seen in San Diego would be
Anna's Hummingbird, the male of which has a bright red crown as
well as a red chin. Birdwatching, a wonderful avocation, also
encourages vigilance.
C. David London, M.D.
Stratham, New Hampshire
WLM - A Truly Unique Gem
As a member of the Board of Trustees and Treasurer of the Wood
Library-Museum of Anesthesiology (WLM), I appreciate very much
the letter from Gerald L. Zeitlin, M.D. [July
NEWSLETTER]. It is a shame that so few members of ASA
realize the "Gem" that they support, which is housed
at the Park Ridge (Illinois) home office.
The Wood Library-Museum is truly unique. It is recognized throughout
the world as constituting a center of anesthesia knowledge and
artifacts. Where else can you find the works of Mesmer or ether
masks used by John Snow?
Let me encourage and invite all members of ASA: If you are in
the vicinity of Chicago, do yourself a favor and visit your Wood
Library-Museum. It exists for your use.
Franklin B. McKechnie, M.D.
Winter Park, Florida
The views and opinions expressed in the "Letters
to the Editor" are those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of ASA or the NEWSLETTER Editorial Board. The
Editor has the authority to accept or reject any letter submitted
for publication. Letters must be signed (although name may be
withheld on request) and are subject to editing and abridgment.
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