A vicious backhand
Authors: K Weber
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1999)

Scientists and physicians from around the globe were for years now,'' remarked Jorge.''What's the latest story drawn to scientific sessions held in Chicago in the fall of you're working on?''1997.Prospects for an excellent learning experience were ''The topic is an important one,'' noted Theodore.''It high.For Theodore Conrad, the meeting also offered an was brought to my attention by a friend working in the opportunity to meet with former post-doctoral trainees.medical examiner's office here in Chicago.I would be Over dinner that evening he would dine with a contingent honored to share it with you as we savor the remnants of from South America: Jorge and Eduardo from Santiago, this excellent 1995 Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Clovis and Felix from Sao Paolo.There would be from the vineyards of Luis Felipe Edwards.Its bouquet much to discuss since they last had seen one another.and varietal flavors are excellent.Seated in the restaurant of the headquarters hotel, ''However, before proceeding, I would note that these Theodore listened with pride to their narration of scholar-stories are merely a vehicle to deliver a message on a topic ship achieved against a backdrop of tribulations not unlike of worldwide importance.Community leaders such as those he would have expected in initiating basic and yourselves need to become involved.Education is integral applied research studies in the States.But in addition, he to the prevention of illnesses that challenge the public's learned about challenges of a kind quite unfamiliar to him.health.''Issues, for example, related to a nation's political and Not even the bright easterly sun could keep Joel and his military infrastructure and their impact on the conduct of backhand from their appointed mission with Keith's nasty biomedical research.Undeterred, these clinician scientists serve.And this Saturday morning, August 13, 1994, was had forged forward to achieve research objectives.Addi-no exception.Keith Bradford lived next door to Joel and tionally gratifying was their involvement in population-Harriet Singer in this fashionable suburb of north Chicago, based studies that addressed such issues as high altitude, lined with majestic oak trees.As was their custom each cardiovascular risk and Chagas disease.Theodore was Saturday, weather permitting, Joel and Keith played a humbled by these recountings.Against such a backdrop, no-holds-barred game of tennis on the Singer's court.how could anyone in the States hope to make an educated Keith, a broker ''downtown,'' thrived on intense competiassessment of the dedication and accomplishments of these tion.Joel, a successful dentist in the 'burbs, had been his individuals, working on another continent?Even more match.Stride for stride, volley for volley, sweat band for absurd a judgment would be one concerning their suitabili-sweat band, their game raged on for several hours.ty for election into a U.S.-based academic society.Ah, the Pleasantly exhausted, they shook hands at center court and emptiness and bankruptcy of elitists, he thought.retired to the Singer's screened-in patio for a pitcher of gin ''A remarkable set of achievements.You each have and tonic.made an impact, and undoubtedly will continue to contrib-''So what's new with the market?''asked Joel, still ute substantively to our understanding of human disease breathing heavily.''Industrials up and utilities down?'' and disability for years to come,'' noted Theodore.''Using ''Don't you wish!'' replied Keith, knowing full well the next millennium -now only months away -as an Joel's financial portfolio.He wiped beads of sweat from arbitrary target, we must rededicate ourselves to world his forehead and neck that rimmed a crown of curly blond health and to initiatives that will reduce human suffering.''hair.''With friends like you, who needs enemies?'' he ''Many of your Conundra have emphasized this point laughed.''By the way, I'm off to Puerto Rico in Sep-