01/24/2014    David A. Pougatsch, DPM

"Buck" McKeon's Retirement Bolsters CA Podiatrist's Congressional Campaign (Alison D. Silhanek, DPM)

I must disclose that I was Lee Rogers’s fellow a
year ago, and now his partner, at the Amputation
Prevention Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Los
Angeles. I am writing this on my own volition.
That being said, I will try to address some things
written in Dr. Silhanek’s letter:

PM News attempts to deliver up-to-date information
about podiatrists from podiatrists around the
country, be it in politics, academics, charity,
the media, or even the criminal justice system.
Similar to Dr. Wenstrup’s campaign success, Dr.
Rogers’ campaign is also being followed by many
podiatrists.

As far as moving around, which professional
physician hasn't? I imagine there are very few
congressional districts in the country where one
can go to college, medical school, complete a
residency, and then fellowship all in the same
district. Lee has always keened an interest for
what is going on in his community. Since I cover
him, I know he makes it a point to do as much as
he can being out at lunch, dinner, many
afternoons, and I have seen him engage people from
all over the area to see what issues matter the
most to them.

He has tremendous support in the district - after
all, 107,000 people voted for him in 2012.

Regarding Dr. Silhanek calling Dr. Rogers’
campaign staff “a bunch of ragamuffins”, the
thought of passing judgment on people who she has
clearly never met is a scary thought, especially
since it comes from a well-educated professional.
Dr. Rogers has a staff of professionals who have
run (and won) many congressional races.

Dr. Silhanek also mentions that Dr. Rogers lacks
knowledge of what it is to run a private practice
as we are hospital-based podiatrists. The truth is
we are in private practice. Before assumptions are
made, please be aware that in California, it is
illegal for hospitals to employ physicians. So
while we do work in a hospital outpatient
department, we still bill as a group for our
professional services. We have expenses and
payroll, accountants, consultants, third party
vendors, and lawyers as well.

And just to keep it Constitutional, there is that
right called Freedom of Speech. Dr. Silhanek
exercised hers. This is me exercising mine. If one
doesn't agree with a person or an issue PM News
covers, you have the freedom to scroll faster,
avert your eyes, hit delete, or in the worst case
scenario unsubscribe, but please don't request PM
News to censor the wide array of topics it covers.

P.S. – Dr. Rogers is running for public office.
Don't worry, Dr. Silhanek's letter isn't the worst
thing that will be written about him this week.

David A. Pougatsch, DPM, Los Angeles, CA,
david.pougatsch@gmail.com

There are no more messages in this thread.