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You wrote: > >To everyone.... > >I think it will be unfortunate if the issue of pallidotmy occasions some >bitter feelings on this very important network. I am not a Parkinsonian, but >my wife, Moira MacPherson, is. All Parkinsonians and their >families/caregivers have probably discussed the issue, namely, whether >health professionals, especially neurologists, really understand just how >strongly the person with the disorder feels, *and* understands his or her >disorder. Researchers and medical specialists tend, quite naturally and >quite properly, to focus on the scientific method and objectivity. We need >them to do this, of course, since that is how medical progress, cures and >the like, are achieved. > >But what must also be recognized, I believe, is that Parkinsonians (and many >other people with similar disabling disorders) do know their illness as well >(and often better than) the experts. There are many examples of experts >discounting the so-called "subjective" evidence of the person with the disorder. > >In closing, I want to quote from the beginning of Dr. Oliver Sacks latest >book, An Anthropologist on Mars, where he quotes a motto attributed to Sir >William Osler: > > "Ask not what disease the person has, but rather what person the >disease has." > >I think this subtle advice is worth reflection. > > >Regards to all. > >Peter >========================================= >Peter J. Kidd >Learning Materials Consulting Services >Phone & Fax: (902) 443-4262 >Email: [log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask] > >========================================= > > Peter adds a sense of understanding and sensitivity to this issue. Many thanks, Peter! Best, Bob -- ******************************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S. Phone: 510-849-2555 Neurological Surgery FAX: 510-849-2557 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 USA E-Mail: [log in to unmask] CompuServe: 72303,3442 America Online: BobFink "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ********************************************************