Favors SVDH incumbents

Editor,

This is in response to the commentary by Harry Foster, CEO of Family HealthCare Network. His article had so many good points that it’s hard to write this and stay within the limit of words. The fact that SVDH has the potential for a residency program is phenomenal. That the local physicians can’t commit to this project is astoundingly disappointing, especially since the program wouldn’t start for another year.

I’ve worked at a teaching hospital back East. Mr. Foster is correct when he writes that physicians, after residency, often stay where they’re trained. What a great opportunity that would be for our community to get more qualified physicians.

Since some of the physicians were concerned they’d lose revenue mentoring these residents, it makes me wonder if the three physicians running for the Sierra View Board of Directors will devote the necessary hours to be qualified board members, studying all the issues necessary to make good decisions pertaining to the hospital and attending the necessary meetings.

A truly qualified member needs hours that perhaps these doctors don’t have to give. Let’s keep the three incumbents running, Martha Flores, Brent Gill and Richard Hatfield on the board. They have the time to devote and have done a great job. And let’s hope the residency program will be reconsidered and come to fruition.

Sandy Calantone
Porterville