The Silicosis Story: Mass Tort Screening and the Public Health

The Silicosis Story: Mass Tort Screening and the Public Health

Thank you Mr. Chairman, and thank you for your continued leadership into the investigation of this important public health issue. While today we continue to address the potential problems associated with mass screening and the diagnosis of illnesses, I strongly believe that it is the role and responsibility of this entire committee to address the imminent health care needs of our nation. We must not abdicate our responsibility to the American public to actively pursue public health concerns. Thank you, Mr. Chairman for recognizing this vital role of our committee and investigating such a serious issue.

I have been licensed to practice medicine in the State of Texas since 19XX. Throughout my twenty-blank years of practice, I learned to fully appreciate the importance and need for an efficient and effective medical screening process. Thousands upon thousands of lives have been saved due to medical screening processes that were able to detect illnesses and other serious maladies. This system relies upon trained physicians and other medical personnel to perform reliable diagnostic evaluations. Without this crucial element, the screening system falls apart, thus, jeopardizing the health and welfare of the public that was meant to be protected. The medical community, including physicians and medical boards, must recognize this essential function.

One of the first lessons that a medical student learns is that the doctor/patient relationship is sacred. For a doctor to truly help the patient, the patient must have full faith and trust in the doctor. Once the relationship has been established, the doctor owes a fiduciary duty to the patient, and must exercise a high standard of care towards the patient. This relationship is a cornerstone of the medical community, and cannot be easily disregarded. The situation before us today exemplifies the harm that can occur when patients believe that the relationship has been established but the doctor abandons his duty.

Today, I look forward to examining my homestate's rules and regulations involving mass health screenings in Texas. I would like to especially welcome Mr. Richard Ratliff of the Texas Department of State Health Services, and Dr. Donald Patrick of the Texas Medical Board. Gentlemen, thank you for traveling from Austin today to address this important issue. I look forward to entering into a lively discussion with each of you.

While I am appreciative of these witnesses coming before us today, I would also like to take a moment to express my extreme dissatisfaction regarding the absence of two witnesses on the second panel—Mr. Heath Mason of N&M, Inc., and Dr. Todd Coulter. While they chose not to appear before Congress today, I have full faith that the Chairman will continue to explore all legal means to obtain their testimony.

Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for this hearing, and I look forward to working with you and the rest of the committee to achieve real results for the public health and welfare of this country.

I yield back the remainder of my time.

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