Dr. Hayden--Do they use the doctor's name or talk about his specialty?
Dr. Manning--No
Dr. Bean--What do they talk about?
Dr. Beaton--I was asked what I wanted to talk about, and I chose to talk about multiple sclerosis. It was rehearsed.
Dr. Manning--We want to plan it out now. The fellow who works with this thing will meet with the doctors. There would be no introductory statement by the commentator, who would say that this is a public service of education put on and sponsored by the Pima County Medical Society, and then go on from there. It is planned to be on timely subjects patterned after those about which people want to know.
Dr. Engle--I object to the plan, in the first place, because I think it is hard for any of us, a committee, or anybody else, to manage such a program without causing some ill feeling in our local profession, and I think a program like this could have bad effects as well as good. A very good man with a poor TV appearance cannot help us and certainly would hurt himself. A very poor man with an excellent appearance and manner could make a wonderful impression on TV, and far beyond what his professional ability would justify. I think there are a lot of things wrong with putting on a local TV program just for those little, everyday things of which I speak. Furthermore, I am not sure that, except for discussion things that have mostly to do with preventive medicine and public health problems, or daily emergencies, it is wise. I rather think it is not. I think people are bombarded by too much information already, new drugs, etc.--it is making them restless--they wonder whether their doctor is giving them the best care. I talked with people in Phoenix, too, and I must say that they were very happy there. I think those who were happiest were those who were on the program themselves. It did get a good response. I do think there are things wrong with it and I am against it.
Dr. Steen--I got mixed up with it on a State level. The Maricopa County Society program was paid for through the Public Relations Committee of the Arizona Medical Association.
Dr. Manning--This could still be on a State level, for the reason that the Council voted the money to help carry that program in Phoenix. $2,000.00. Their $2,000.00 is designated for retelecast and for use of DeVries. They are picking up the tab until Webster increases the program to 30 minutes.
Dr. Costin--Would one of the objections be overcome if you had a list of men from Phoenix?
Dr. Engle--I think that the Public Relations Committee or the Board of Directors or anyone is going to run into personal difficulties in setting up this program for the reasons mentioned. I think a list of men from out of town would help.
Dr. Lesemann--Does this have to be settled immediately? Can it not be thrown open to vote at regular meeting?
Dr. Manning--The station is trying to line up sponsors, and they have to get a commitment of some of their time if they are to start the 15th September. They want a commitment from us, basically to prevent us from starting a similar program with another outfit. We could say we will think it over during the summer.
Dr. Lesemann--I think the whole Society ought to have a vote on it.
Dr. Costin--With some recommendation from this body.
Dr. Engle--I believe this group would represent well, proportionately, the opinion of the Society as a whole. I think if we had an open discussion here you would have a good idea of how the Society would vote.
Dr. Steen--This might be presented at the Picnic.
Dr. Manning--I do not feel that the Picnic would be a good opportunity to sit down and discuss the pros and cons. I think we can settle it here, and believe it to be a good thing, myself.
Dr. Steen--If the Public Relations Committee will take it and carry it out, it will be all right. It seemed to me, last year, that the State Public Relations Committee was particularly interested in getting the money spent. I was told "My God, if we don't spend the money this year, they won't give us any next year." I replied, "We now put on this fancy program, and the people at Eloy can't even get a doctor."
