Letters to the Editor - Feb. 20, 2012

Ad for American Medical News sends wrong message on infection control

I have become accustomed to stepping over people at airports, in public hallways and other locations who are stretched out on the floors using their computers and other mobile devices, apparently not concerned about what's underneath them. I have also reluctantly gotten used to seeing medical professionals in public settings with their hospital and clinic scrub clothing, apparently not concerned about taking pathogens into work where they can infect their patients.

But I was taken aback by an advertisement for the online edition of American Medical News that shows physicians sitting on the floor with their computers.

I don't think this is an image of public health behaviors that the AMA should be projecting, either to AMA members or the public.

I trust American Medical News will consider another image that will better communicate how physicians can safely access "news that affects the practice of medicine," including updates on continuing unacceptable rates of iatrogenic nosocomial infections in the United States and how those rates may be practically prevented.

--Alex R. Rodriguez, MD, Tampa, Fla.

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