2001

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Laurel Foundation, may I express my appreciation of the June 2001 issue of the BCMA Journal dedicated to autism spectrum disorders and at the same time put in a plug for the foundation. The Laurel Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Laurel House Society, known as the Laurel Group, which has been providing services for children with autism spectrum disorders for 31 years. The Laurel Foundation—tel: (604) 942-7574—would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who would like to assist in its goals.

With reference to my letter published in your March issue [BCMJ 2001;43(2): 68] and Dr Mador’s comments that appeared in June [BCMJ 2001;43(5): 263] I would like to remind readers, physicians, and patients alike, that our Canadian medical insurance system is fundamentally different from that in Great Britain. (I am unaware of the legal implications in other countries.)

Image, it seems, continues to be an important part of interactive perceptions. For instance, I think we would all feel a little uncomfortable if the two people sitting in the cockpit of the Boeing 747 were dressed in shorts and Gold’s Gym tank tops. Even forgetting for the moment that the standard pilot’s uniform is more reminiscent of a parking lot comissionaire than a professional aviator, they just look more competent wearing the uniform.

Every occupation, it appears, has its difficult side. When I have been presented with a tricky situation, I have often thought how much simpler it would be to chuck the job of medicine and go back to the land—sowing the seed and reaping the harvest. No tough choices; simply accepting what nature throws your way.