After seeing Obama on TV the other night, I just had to put in my 2 cents worth. I noticed during the campaigning process that he chose his words very carefully. ...more

August 14, 2009

Joan Atkins of Palm Harbor says Americans should be wary of "cradle-to-grave micromanagement" of health care by the federal government. ...more

March 21, 2009

Recent letters to the Tribune have dealt with socialized health care. The most amusing was the "Letter Of The Day" submitted by a Canadian woman who by her own admission spends a great deal of time getting "free" care. Ailments included two knee replacements, bowel surgery, ankle surgery and numerous other problems. I wonder what kind of program the Canadian government has to try to keep people healthy. ...more

March 16, 2009

I have just finished reading a letter (Beware Socialized Care, Letters, March 9) regarding an opinion on our healthcare system in Canada, and I take offense. I am a Canadian, as is my husband, and we have had quality care by the Canadian health system for more than 60 years. Between us we have had an appendectomy, gall bladder surgery, achilles tendon repair, eye surgery, two knee replacements, bowel surgery with five days in intensive care, ankle surgery and numerous other ailments not requiring hospital care. All occasions were handled promptly and excellently. ...more

March 10, 2009

Tom Daschle's earnings from speeches given to health-related companies and trade associations: ...more

February 2, 2009

The Bay Pines Veterans Administration Hospital in St. Petersburg is unveiling its newly-expanded emergency room tomorrow. ...more

January 21, 2009

Nationally renowned veterans' care expert Deborah Grassman, RN, MSN, ARNP, from the Bay Pines VA Healthcare system, is the featured speaker at a seminar on caring for military veterans at the end of life. ...more

November 26, 2008

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in Pinellas County, the fourth busiest medical center for veterans in the country, has received the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs highest honor. The Robert W. Carey Performance of Excellence award was recently presented to Bay Pines officials by VA Secretary James B. Peake and Under Secretary for Health Michael J. Kussman. ...more

November 19, 2008

I have some serious concerns about the ARNP (nurse practitioner) push for controlled prescriptive privileges. This push is consistent with a nationwide effort for the Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner to be fully independent from the supervision of licensed physicians. Physicians in Florida, including myself, are deeply concerned about this issue. As a doctor, I am ultimately concerned about the well being of my patients. ...more

November 21, 2007

With Veterans Day approaching, it's a good time to review important new initiatives under way here in the Tampa Bay area and in the nation's capital to honor our veterans and support our troops. ...more

November 10, 2007