Evening star., 1943-07-27
DR.. Cannon Protests
Penalizing Physicians.

TO the Editor Of The Star
DR.. Edward j. Cummings was found
guilty of pleasure driving last week and
was fined Is gallons Of gasoline for the
of1ense. His car was found at the
Army Navy Club, where he went to
lunch and remained to play round OF
golf.
This case affects every doctor who
practices in Washington and attention
should be directed to the Interpretation
Of the la~ hv the OPA which I think
is unreasonable. nd should be changed.
I have been q IL. her of the Pro-
curement and Assignment Committee
since 1t was formed. This CONN., -.
decides which doctors. are available for
military service and which are essential
to the civil population. Up to this date
ticed in Washington have joined the
armed forces and during this year
Washingtons quota Is 10 more doctors
each month. One doctor will remain
for each 1900 persons residing in the
District of Columbia.
AAC AOdo OA CdSAA auOSUUl 10 t1lClC1OlC
increasing and it is necessary for every
physician to preserve his health 50 that
he can carry on.
The doctor and his car should be In
separable-the car is as important as
his stethoscope, his sphygmometer or his
prescription pad and it is unreasonable
to require him to leave it at home when
q hae a hriaf P4r
The time consumed by returning to his
home on bus or 4 streetcar before he
can start on his calls may mean the
difference between life and death. To
mention a few emergencies which occur
daily let me list: Accidents, poisoning,
acute heart attacks, perforating ulcers of
the stomach or intestines, precipitate
childbirth, gladstone collie, kidney stone
collie, diphtheria, appendicitis, post-oper.
ative hemorrhage. There are many 9TH
ers. These emergencies require prompt
attention to avert disaster
Most doctors are engaged in war work
besides their practices and they are doing
this without remuneration and for pa
triotic reasons. They must have diver
sion and recreation In order to preserve,
their health. Many are foregoing any
formal vacation this year
The secretary Of the Medical Society
OF the District OF Columbia approached
OPA about this matter but was not sue
cessful in obtaining any change of regu-
lation regarding doctors because it was
considered to be "class legislation" which
they had no authority to institute.
This same argument was used recent
ly during the acute gasoline shortage but
a forceful, sensible letter from Senator
McCarran brought about an immediate
change and doctors were granted PRIOR
ity. The regulation restricting the use
Of doctors cars undoubtedly could be
changed. t': s' - -
There are about 10000 physicians
listed as practicing in this country. One.
fourth Of these are already In the armed
services. This leaves shout 100000 Of
which about $4,000 are present in the
Eastern area which is affected by the
gas regulation restrictions. It. Is esti-
mated that there are about sO00, 900
cars in this area, which leaves the num-
her OF physicians cars ut about one
fourth Of per cent of the total cars
affected. Assuming that some physicians
abused their privilege to take only neces-
sary recreation and that they should
waste or gallons day, the net result
In wastase Of gas would be inconse-
quential.
The regulation discriminates against
ths CONSCIENTIOUS physician who in the
past has kept his car with him at all