Dr. Davis left us with an important lesson in rediscovering faith in God
Regarding "AMA Immediate Past President Ron Davis, MD, succumbs to pancreatic cancer" (Article, Nov. 24, 2008): As an AMA alternate delegate, I was privileged to hear Ron Davis' stirring "Circle of Life" presentation at the 2008 Annual Meeting. The laudatory comments in AMNews about that speech omit one important point that Dr. Davis made: the rediscovery of his spirituality.
Dr. Davis was an effective leader, a clear communicator and a strong advocate for the issues in which he believed. His courageous expression of his renewed faith in God was a point he clearly wanted the membership to hear. That is his ultimate legacy.
--Douglas Myers, MD, Vancouver, Wash.
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Hard times spur sweeping changes
Regarding "Obama win accelerates drive for health system reform" (Article, Nov. 24, 2008): We will have comprehensive reform in 2009. American history notes that major social legislation only occurred after catastrophes. During the Depression, Social Security was created. After the Kennedy assassination, Medicare and Medicaid were enacted. Both were part of far-reaching legislation. This allowed senators and representatives to trade votes. With a collapsing economy and two wars, we have a "perfect storm" for social legislation.
--Leon Reinstein, MD, Baltimore
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