Posted by Alan F. Bachrach, M.D. on March 01, 2000 at 00:23:35:
In Reply to: Re: Peaceful Protest--San Antonio posted by Al Gordon on February 27, 2000 at 21:28:30:
A couple of comments:
First, Al, believe me when I tell you that Dr.'s would like to see Type 1 cured. It would simply mean that instead of interminably treating type 1 patients, these doctors would be able to diagnose and cure them. It would mean a change of focus and it would require new training. However, I don't believe anyone (doctor) would be out of a job and trust me when I tell you that it would be a lot more SATISFYING to be able to cure this disease than to struggle against it. I also hate to tell you this, but by and large the revenues that come from follow up visits from diabetic patients (like M.S. patient's, Parkinson's patients, etc.) don't amount to much. It's very labor intensive (i.e., lots of cognitive work with no procedures - just the opposite of what insurance companies reimburse) and time consuming. I can't believe anyone does it for the money. For a variety of reasons, the outcomes are often less than optimal. What Dr. wouldn't rather be a HERO and JUST CURE IT?
I gave a lot of thought to the ADA after the thread you mentioned above. Sandra Sylvestri set me straight when she informed me that the ADA convention is one of the best places to go hear about new cure research - even though the organization doesn't fund it. I haven't joined yet, but I am considering doing so. My kids go to an ADA camp - and I appreciate this. The ADA evidently tries to be all things to all diabetics, 15/16 of which are type 2s. My donations are going to JDF, DRI, U MN, and Vinik because I believe they are focused on my goal - a cure. However, this doesn't mean I think the ADA is of no value.
Sorry to deviate from the "Party Line."
Alan