Board of Directors Meeting, March 4, 1954 2
Discussion:
Dr. Costin--This sounds like the same report we made last year.
Dr. Rudolph--Of course, you are being approached all the time by the American Cancer Society. Do they still want to make a Detection Center?
Dr. Bernstein--They did not say anything about a Center, but they have certainly approached us constantly, and I think you should know about some of this because it is a big problem. It is difficult to appreciate the tone of Dr. Fuller's report when it is read in this fashion, as I do not think you can understand all the problems involved. Since I have been listening at the telephone, certain things have been happening. They involve altercations, almost, between the Cancer Society and some our members. Apparently one individual wants to perform our functions for us to some extent. This gets everybody into a horrible triangle. This person called and said she wanted a doctor for a complete examinations for an old gentleman. The questions were "Who can do it?", "Where can I get it?", and "How much will it cost?" I think she tried to put me on the spot. I advised her to have him go to his own doctor and inquire this fee, and, if he were not satisfied, he should call the office of the Pima County Medical Society for suggestions of other doctors. However, lots more is wanted, and I am sure she will not be satisfied so easily. It was suggested that a form be made, set up, on examinations for the detection of Cancer. This form was to be filled out by the physician, by checking, and after the examination, if negative, the patient would receive a certificate or statement to the effect that no evidence of cancer was found. This statement was to include a clause saying--"however, this does not mean that the patient has not cancer." I just could not conceive of giving a patient such a paper! Who are we to tell the doctor how to examine his patient or what to charge for the particular type of examination he makes. However, as you can see, we have pretty much the same report that we had last year. I suppose this was a fortunate outcome. The last item was demand that we should appear on their program for funds, but the Committee felt it was not in their jurisdiction to act on this.
Dr. Steen--The doctors appeared on the arthritis program sponsored by the arthritis group.
Dr. Manning--They appeared individually, not as representing the Society,.
Dr. Steen--I do not care how you call it, if they appear on the program they are associated with the particular program or organization. This is what the Cancer Society will expect because they saw the doctors appear on the arthritis program.
Dr. Manning--The only thing we agreed upon last year was that the County Society as a whole would not back any particular drive.
Dr. Bernstein--The statement I made to them was that I did not think the Cancer Advisory Committee had a right to approve this request, and second, that I did not see why an individual doctor cannot represent any Society he wants to, as an individual. In so doing, if he commits an error, or damages the organization, it is on an individual basis.
Dr. Steen--Regardless of what you do, you are representing the Medical Society.
Dr. Bernstein--The differences is that we do not dedicate ourselves to support the fund drives.
Dr. Steen--I have no brief for the Cancer Society; I just want to be sure they understand that they can get somebody on the same basis as the Arthritis Association.
Dr. Royal Rudolph--I move that we follow the same policy with respect to speaking for organizations as was followed last year.
Motion was seconded by Dr. D.E. Engle, and upon being put to vote, was carried.
