Letters to the Editor 
Congrats to Metro East for being removed from Judicial Hellholes list
Fri, 21 December 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Judges in the Metro East are to be congratulated for their efforts to increase judicial fairness in the area.
Don't put health care on life support
Mon, 19 November 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Thank you for pointing out that Illinoisans’ access to health care will be back on “life support” if our 2005 medical lawsuit reforms are overturned by the state’s high court.
Letter to the editor sent to Wall Street Journal re: "Retail Health Clinics"
Wed, 12 September 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Dr. Brewer made a good point about retail health clinics being less expensive than emergency rooms in his Sept. 11 column, but he forgot to mention that for more than two decades, health experts and insurers have stressed the importance and effectiveness of a “medical home” – a place where patients have a personal physician who oversees and coordinates their care.
Letter to the editor sent to Chicago Tribune re: "I'm sorry"
Wed, 5 September 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Thanks to the passage of Illinois’ medical liability reforms in 2005, Illinois is a leader in the movement asking doctors to speak more openly with their patients.
Letter to the Editor of the Chicago Tribune Re: "Retail Health Clinics"
Tue, 3 July 2007 00:00:00 -0500
For two decades or more, health experts and insurers have stressed the importance of a “medical home” – where patients have a regular doctor who oversees and coordinates their care – in providing quality, cost effective patient care. Now, in one fell swoop, this core medical value is dismissed by the Tribune and the corporations which stand to profit mightily from “retail” medical care.
The mad dash for cash –in the end, YOU pay the bill
Thu, 28 June 2007 14:56:14 -0600
Expect more than temperatures and gas prices to rise this summer. This August, plaintiff lawyers will begin their court assault on the constitutionality of medical liability reforms. So what’s at stake in this battle? Your access to health care will be pitted against plaintiff lawyers’ compensation. Let’s cross our fingers that your health interests win.
Letter to the Editor of the Chicago Tribune Re: "House Bill 1798"
Tue, 15 May 2007 14:56:14 -0600
Surprise, surprise. Plaintiff attorneys are looking for new ways to pad their pockets after the passage of the medical liability reforms in 2005. Now the state legislature is considering House Bill 1798, which would add grief, sorrow, and mental suffering to the list of recoverable items in a wrongful death case.
Letter to the Editor of the Belleville News-Democrat Re: "House Bill 1798"
Tue, 7 May 2007 14:56:14 -0600
After reading “Bill would expand suit damages for grief and mental anguish” (5-1-07), it seems we Illinoisans have short memories. Think back to 2004 when neurosurgical trauma care was non-existent for the southern half of our state.
Letter to the Editor of the State Journal-Register Re: "House Bill 1798"
Mon, 7 May 2007 14:56:14 -0600
When I read “House votes to expand malpractice damages” (4/28/07), I was reminded of the adage, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.” Illinois plaintiff lawyers have been muscling our state lawmakers this month to remove a ban on grief, sorrow, and mental suffering in wrongful death awards.
Letter to the Editor of the Peoria Journal Star Re: "Statewide Smoking Ban"
Tue, 3 May 2007 14:56:14 -0600
The citizens of Peoria, indeed, all citizens of Illinois, are fortunate the state legislature has been able to accomplish what the Peoria City Council could not: a statewide smoking ban. Such a measure cleared the General Assembly on Tuesday, May 1st.
Letter to the Editor of the State Journal-Register Re: "Doctor listens to learn what ails his patients" article
Wed, 7 Feb 2007 14:56:14 -0600
The recent heartwarming article about Dr. Bob Farmer resonated with me (“Doctor listens to learn what ails his patients,” Jan. 30). As a family physician practicing in Springfield for the past 30 years, I can readily identify with the joys of everyday patient care as he described. But modern medicine is becoming so complex and high tech that at times it can be downright impersonal. We all need our primary care doctors like Dr. Farmer to act as our friends, interpreters and guides through this new confusing landscape.
Letter to the Editor of the State Journal-Register Re: "Helmet Use"
Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:55:52 -0600
Thank you for pointing out that the most life-saving laws aren’t always popular when first introduced (“Benefit of seat belt use evident,” 1-22-07). Doctors have seen firsthand the positive impact mandatory seat belt use has had on reducing driving fatalities and injuries. But come spring when warm weather melts icy roads, doctors will see the all too unfortunate consequences of not having a state law requiring helmet use on motorcycles.