A Thankful Thanksgiving for Us All

It goes without saying that Thanksgiving is a time for thoughtful reflection of who we are, what we have, how blessed we live. We are in the midst of a recession, and yet for most of us our lives are quite wonderful. If we must spend a little less it is a wake up call to be humble and to remember who we are and where we came from. Maybe even where we are going.

So I am a bit chagrined and even puzzled at so many senior citizens and near-senior citizens who have used this recession to complain about their lot in life as a result of this recession and what this country owes them. They have paid their dues, they supported their industry (UAW?), they have paid taxes and now it is time to reap their rewards. It sounds so simple ... and so selfish. Every day I walk outside I am blessed to have sidewalks for safe passage, roads that are kept up, police to protect me, firemen to protect what I own and sometimes to protect life. Every day I am rewarded by living in the most successful experiment in democracy that man has ever experienced. Every day there are people in society who protect my welfare whether it is politicians who sometimes justifiably take some abuse yet serve the public good, government workers who make our society function, teachers who keep society civil, medical professionals who strive to maintain our health, and even lawyers (this is the hardest to say) who, though present in far too many numbers, are the philosopher-advocates that in spite of themselves bring a moral sanity to our lives. And the list goes on to include professionals, para-professionals, tradesmen, and every ethnic group who contributes to the environment I am so grateful to call America.

I have many blessings for which I give thanks, not the least of which is life, liberty, and the opportunity to pursue happiness. Thank you all for allowing me any opportunity to share your life and may all of your blessings continue as we celebrate this most important day.

Edward Lack MD www.metropolitanmds.com

What's new in Medicine

Ahem! Time to get back to basics. We are through with the election and President-elect Obama has his hands full. The CEO of the auto industry testified today that the industry's problems are caused by the world economy. He ignored the fact that I and people like me have not bought an American made car for 30 years because it is our impression that they are inferior. The CEO of Citigroup says there is nothing wrong with their business plan and to prove it they will all get giant bonuses provided by Paulson's bailout program. Paulson sees nothing contradictory that he has totally ignored the provisions of the law regarding TARP that provided for relieving the mortgage crisis directly. Did anyone else hear him say that without passing TARP the economy would collapse. Is this the alter ego Paulson who voted against TARP?
Time to get back to basics. What is new in cosmetic surgery? What is new in medicine? There is an advanced degree in some states for nurses that allows them to have the title "Doctor". They can wear white coats, hang a stethoscope around their neck, and call themselves "Doctor". And they can practice independently of a physician. They were surprised when it was argued that some patients might think they had an MD or DO degree with a medical license to practice medicine as a physician. What an accusation! They never wanted to confuse anyone!
A patient came in several weeks ago and saw Dr. Rachel for a "tumor" in her ear. She had had multiple scans and had spent $5000.00 out of her own pocket. She was not pleased when Dr. Rachel removed the "tumor" from her ear canal and it was a ball of wax. Her two "doctors" turned out to be physician assistants. An assistant connotes someone who assists. Foolish me. That was in 1970.
You might get an idea I am angry with medicine. Actually I have the best job in the world and interacting with patients is the most fun anyone could have. Going to work is great. I am irritated by bureaucrats and by dishonest people whether professionals or patients who abuse the system. As we used to say in the 60's "if these people would spend half as much energy doing good as they do scheming to do evil, they would accomplish great things". I promise to tell you about new lasers next time.
Edward Lack MD www.metropolitanmds.com

Moving Forward to Tackle Health Care

Congratulations Barack Obama. You are the 44th President of the United States of America. You were presidential throughout the race and you were presidential last night in your victory speech. You walk with a nation's blessings and a nation's hopes from this day forward.
Congratulations John McCain. You are a patriot who has served our country as very few can claim since our founding in 1776. You were magnanimous in defeat and you will continue to lead both by example and by dint of work. Your choice of Sara Palin for Vice President may have cost you the election. Past mistakes are that and you will move on.
Today we are a nation healing from wounds, unified with sense of purpose, tremulous with excitement for what is possible. To those who did not vote for Barack Obama I extend my sincere appreciation and love that you participated in the system. Our democracy works when all people have opportunity to speak their thoughts and contribute their efforts.
For any who might grieve the outcome, a democracy can survive only when we preserve the rights of the majority to determine our leadership. We cannot say we support democracy only when our candidate is elected. Tomorrow will bring new leadership and new ideas and we must be ready to embrace them to keep our nation great.
This morning we are again the melting-pot of the world. This morning we have once again ratified the notion that all people rich and poor, of color or not, with differing countries of origin are welcome to contribute. This morning we affirm that our greatness results from blending differing backgrounds to sift what is best in each of us and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
I am always proud to be an American. This morning I remember how proud I am. Today I will tackle the health care problems of my patients and Barack Obama can begin to think about how we might tackle the health care needs of our country.
Edward Lack MD www.metropolitanmds.com