A bad Greek tragedy

Mr. DelRosario: I do not know you but you have decided to take a clear stand on the interpretation of the state of health care here. Most of us read the paper and we see the usual dialogue, keep quiet, and mind our business. Your comments about physicians and the problems with CHC require a reply.

First I would recommend that you read a good book on public health by John Farmer, Mountains Beyond Mountains. It is not a textbook but a visceral look at human suffering and a simple, effective approach to solutions.

Dr. Sullivan is a physician who chose to come here to work for two years on a national health service commitment. He gets nothing from the CNMI for that commitment. I have no idea what your knowledge of the health care industry is; from your writings it is obvious you know little. To recruit any physician to any location here or in the U.S., it is standard for relocation to be provided, not a perk. In fact, most physicians are paid to relocate, and given bonus/productivity rewards.

I am a community-based provider. As such I work with Dr. Sullivan when patients need referral and admission. He is tireless, exceptionally dedicated. He is skilled beyond his years. I know for a fact that my patients and his—you know, the ones in the villages—would tell you that if you asked them. Ask your source how many times he has worked overtime, escorted patients on medical referral, or covered a service when needed. He does not make excuses; he does not criticize or attack politicians.

I remember a time when the hospital had excellent staffing and services: ortho, ENT, cardiology, pulmonolgy. What happened? Tell us your spin on that. I have worked in this community since 1998, both at CHC and in the private sector. Without reservation I can say that the overwhelming number of physicians and allied health professionals I have met are incredible people who care deeply about their patients, who commit personally to the lives of the people of the CNMI. Dr. Sullivan is someone you should be grateful to. But he does not need your approval, nor do any of us in this pursuit. Our patients are our neighbors, our friends, and we do our diligence while the politicians and media spinners act out a bad Greek tragedy.

The problems at the hospital are the responsibility of the administration, period. Dr Sullivan and I and the other health care providers who are not locals are not outsiders; we are not parasites. We are here by choice to be part of a community we love. Our kids go to school here. We laugh, cry, bleed all the same. I recommend you use that platform at the Tribune to do some good and create a constructive dialogue on the health care crisis, not simply find ways to insult and divide people with your words.
[B] Jim Pitts PA-C, MPAS[/B] [I]Navy Hill, Saipan[/I]