Opening Statement "Medical Imaging Hearing"

Opening Statement
Congressman Michael C. Burgess

Medical Imaging Hearing

July 18, 2006

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for holding this hearing today. Medical imaging is an extremely important new technology, but an old one at the same time. In my practice, the use of ultrasound is the standard of practice in obstetrics. But new modalities allow doctors to identify and diagnose disease in a manner that was un-thought of two years ago. I hope that this hearing today will help us understand where medical imaging technology is assistive, and where there may be waste in the Medicare program.

I'm very pleased that we have with us today Dr. Douglas Laube, President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. I've been a Fellow of the College for many years and know very well the fine work of this specialty organization.

Dr. Laube chairs the Department of Ob-Gyn at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison and he also holds a medical education degree from the University of Iowa. Dr. Laube has been teaching and training ob-gyns since the mid-70s. He's chaired the Council on Residency Education for Ob-Gyns, as well as the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Dr. Laube has received numerous distinguished teaching awards and other professional distinctions. His lifelong dedication to teaching and training makes him particularly well-suited for this hearing, with its focus on proposals to help us assure quality clinical care in imaging.

Welcome, Dr. Laube. I look forward to your thoughts.

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