Letters
2007; Elsevier BV; Volume: 8; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s1526-4114(07)60093-6
ISSN2377-066X
AutoresHarris Brodsky, James R. Thomason,
Tópico(s)Healthcare Policy and Management
ResumoPioneers in Geriatrics Deserve Honor I enjoyed reading the second installment of your series on Pioneers in Geriatric Medicine (“‘Enlightened Clinical Care’ Is Still Cornerstone of Geriatrics,” February 2007, p. 1) It mentioned distinguished professional and accomplished colleagues (Dr. Leslie Libow, Dr. Solomon Berson, Dr. Stanley Seckler, Dr. John Morley, Dr. Edmund Duthrie, and Dr. Al Siu). Along with this list, we should recognize the contribution of Dr. Robert N. Butler. Although he was featured in the January installment (“At Age 80, Geriatrics Pioneer Continues Advocacy Efforts,” p. 1), it would have been good to mention him again in the second article because he opened our eyes to the subtle and not-so-subtle prejudices foisted upon our aging population. As your January article noted, it was Dr. Butler's 1975 groundbreaking book, “Why Survive? Being Old in America,” that brought our attention to “ageism”—the process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people just because they are old. Harris Brodsky, LNHA Associate Professor, Hofstra University Hempstead, N.Y. Respect for Patient Self-Determination I wanted to mention how much I enjoyed Dr. B's recent column and how a resident surprised Dr. B along the way (“Lessons Learned from an Old Aquaintance,” Dear Dr. B, December 2006, p. 6). I also enjoyed Dr. Jeffrey Nichols' column with the vignette on a patient refusing surgery and how he honored her wish (“Taking Care With the Standard of Capacity,” Medical Ethics, December 2006, p. 12). It is very interesting to me how the physician community seems to have a much higher respect for patient self-determination than other disciplines and especially some state survey agencies that seem to want to override skill nursing facilities and their attending physicians through the backdoor of not “assessing” or not providing “interventions.” Often the resident, family, and doctor are just fine with the care and the approaches. The whole trade-off between “safety” versus “rights” is really an issue in some places. James R. Thomason Sioux Falls, S.D. Letters in response to CARING FOR THE AGES and its supplements should include your name and address, affiliation, and conflicts of interest in regard to the topic discussed. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Mail: Letters, Caring for the Ages,5635 Fishers Lane, Suite 6000Rockville, MD 20852 Fax: 240-221-4400 E-mail: [email protected]
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