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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL Last modified: July 30. 2003 12:00AM Liability crisis harms community For the first time in Sarasota's history, we're seeing excellent physicians leaving the community or retiring early due to the malpractice crisis. Quality physicians such as Jim Shumaker, a neurosurgeon and reknowned Parkinson's specialist, have given up private practice. Sarasota attracts extremely well-trained physicians. Clinical data from the American College of Surgeons clearly shows that our medical community provides more effective and safer medical care than many communities in the United States, including some academic centers, a tribute to the physicians (as well as nurses, hospital staff and conscientious patients). Medical negligence does occur, and patients have a right to reasonable remedy. However, the pendulum has swung too far in support of the lucrative legal system, driving physicians away as well as limiting patient access. (Doctors Hospital closing its obstetrical unit is a harsh example.) The $250,000 non-economic cap is necessary and just the beginning of needed reforms before more damage is done to our community. Thomas H. Williams, M.D. Sarasota SOURCE: The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030730/NEWS/307300358/1029 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn