September

I am writing regarding the article “Breast cancer screening and diagnosis in British Columbia” by Barbara Poole and colleagues [BCMJ 2008;50(4):198-205]. Despite substantial decreases in breast cancer mortality in the past 20 years, too many women are still failing to make full use of what is probably the most significant advance in the fight against breast cancer: annual screening mammography beginning at age 40.

We are pleased that our article on breast screening has created the interest and responses you have received. We of course agree with Dr Gardiner that participation rates over 90% would be optimal and have been achieved in a number of countries that are now reporting improvements in breast cancer survival. 

References

I’m writing regarding the editorial “EMR or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the computer” [BCMJ 2008;50(3):117-118]. Amidst all the usual business-related research I have to do I found this article by accident and had several good laughs as I read it. Well done. Thank you very much!

—Marie H. Medeiros
Vancouver

I must correct a quote attributed to me in Dr Tom Elliott’s BCMJ letter of 2008;50:292-293 and provide some key facts.
I was asked to present an update on PITO at the 30 January 2008 meeting of the Society of Specialist Phy­sicians and Surgeons. Dr Tom Elliott asked whether the six EMR vendors selected for PITO were achieving the market share that they had expected.

During the past 10 years that I have sat on the BCMA Board, I have tried to be a voice for the members by bringing their unique and diverse perspectives and ideas to the decision-making table. I believe that for an organization that represents and speaks for the doctors of BC, transparency and accountability to its members are paramount.