Physician Under Siege

During my very first day in my Family Medicine rotation last month, the office staff were abuzz that there is this doctor being investigated for overprescribing strong narcotics and short-acting anti-anxiety drugs. I didn't really pay much attention. I overheard them saying his name as Dr. Minilo (?). In the next few days, my preceptor would get calls from his former patients wanting to know if she would prescribe the narcotics for them. I think I already wrote about my preceptor's position on this matter and so the answer was no. One day, we had one of his former patients come in as a "work-in" (walk-in)patient. The receptionist wrote out on front of the chart that this is a former patient of his. So I read his actual last name and it is actually the same as Bro. Felix's. So I told my preceptor that he could actually be Filipino and I tried to educate her with the correct pronunciation. I guess it's hard for some Americans to pronounce the "a" sound like in apple in his name. So anyways, it occurred to me to google him and see where he went to medical school. And in fact, he graduated from UP. He is a cardiologist but he would have patients on cash basis in his office even until after midnight waiting for a prescription. It would be sad if his motivation was primarily money. I guess it would be too naive to believe that he just really wanted to ease his patients' pain and anxiety. But clearly boundaries have been crossed in this case.

Time for some pictures. I spent last weekend with college friends Tala and Carolyn.

Tala is growing an organic lettuce garden. I was tasked to pick some for lunch.


This is where Tala works. Carolyn dreams of working here next year. I dream of using some of the "appropriate technology" developed here someday.













I took this picture of the Seattle chapel. It was a very spiritual worship service last Sunday. The district minister of Australia happened to officiate the service. His daughter residing here got married last weekend.




Waiting for the Dave Matthews concert at the Gorge amphitheater, quite possibly the most gorgeous outdoor concert venue.











Tala and Julio (her husband) salsa dancing. Tala and Carolyn are avid salseras so we salsa danced for 2 nights. I probably should take lessons. My hips still do not want to move. I still yet to find my inner "landi" (flirt) ;).




Carolyn is running a half-marathon next month. She has inspired me to sign up for a 5K run this month. I'll be sure to ask PB to take pictures of me running then :).