Show Introducing HAZARDOUS DOCTORS continued The Amitratf Exptore America Fare Over 500 Destinations Unlimited Stopovers One Low Price "It is part of the medical establishment culture" says Gainer “Doctors rarely report other doctors nor do nurses and interns and pharmacists or anyone else in the entire profession Those who do blow the whistle on other doctors risk retaliation" In a Dec 21 1994 editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association Dr David Blumenthal of Harvard referred to doctor errors and wrote: “Concerning medical error and its prevention the profession has with rare exceptions adopted an ostrich-lik- e attitude" WHHT ABOUT THE IHEP1CIU Boards in most have the responsibility and power to discipline them by revoking licenses Presumably a private citizen can ask a state's disciplinary agency to reveal the names of doctors who have been disciplined and for what reason But Public Citizen reports that there are wide differences between state boards and the manner in which they respond The best state boards keep a vigilant eye on doctors' behavior and performance However a doctor who loses a license in one state can move to another in which he also may be licensed without that board learning about any disciplinary action for months or longer if ever (Public Citizen can provide a list of physicians in any state who have been disciplined by the state medical board or the federal government It’s available for SIS Specify the state you are requesting and write: Public Citizen Health Research Group Dept P 1600 20th St NW Washington DC Phis Discounts From Five Of Choice Hotels' Chains Avis And Amtrak1 When ftu Pq With There’s no better value than the Amtrak Explore America Fare this Spring) Now you can Go Where You Wanna Co Do What You Wanna Do in as many cities as you like in one two or all three for Amtrak regions Spring Cues suit at lust $158 round-tri- p for more kids Plus one and Summer $50 only region any ride for half price 2-- 15 What's more you'll get a fat souvenir Ttip Journal with great values inside and when you pay with VISA you'll also get: 5 off Amtrak sleeping accommodations ('Not applicable to fares) 10 off reck rate or an upgrade to a senior room at Rodeway Inns and Econo Lodges or to an executive room at Clarion Hotels and Quality Inns 10 off rack rate at Sleep inns Up to $20 off face weekend renul day or free upgrades from Avis So whether it's exploring the bright lights of New York City the beauty of the Grand Canyon or the Sl Louis Arch the Amtrak Explore America Fare wID give you the Inside track to the scenic route But hurry Seats are limited! Spring fares must be reserved by May 15 for travel April 1 through June 16 1996 Summer fares must be reserved by May 15 far travel June 17 through August 18 1996 See your travel agent stop by any Amtrak station or call 20009) WMATS AHEAD? The American Hospital Association's I Dr Lord acknowledges that a bet- AVIS m I seetm U0H GO'-Wher-e 9m M imwfii tmSiene tmem TVia vm 41 it It twm ere mm HmumwiMMi rmme imom mm emmmmsm tar up 30 am vm m bpka I em CrMs mnm me wtatare Youv Wanna j IMfFtakMMr i tmtor entente fern memo mem am e v meem me wd lOtataa MOlMtaM PWlwtatfNiAMSDNifaNitaniaM I fer Mtarig ItOCMCHOCt m me mem m AitaiMen license stales Medical certify physicians and also 3158 mm no mem hem I1S-51M- 9 I m NM on Mpvotomr Smm m BOMBS? mm to tp fan onw tafaftlS'Mi mmomo it) irf10te GoDo What YouiWannaDor ter job has to be done “Are we perfect in what we do in terms of taking care of people?" he asks “No But we’re gening better" "If physicians nurses pharmacists and administrators are to succeed in reducing errors in hospital care" says Dr Lucien Lcape of Harvard “they will need to fundamentally change the way they think about errors and why they occur" conMeanwhile as health-car- e sumers we have to stay vigilant and do our homework Remember that in dealing with the health care profession you have rights —including the right to ask questions and to expect and get answers Your health may deIK pend on iL Mae |