Opinion/Letters: Zelman's loss of privileges at Cape Cod Hospital is a loss to all
I have practiced cardiology on Cape Cod since 1986 and I have known Dr. Richard Zelman for over 30 years.It has been my privilege and honor to have him as a friend and colleague.
Together, along with the cardiology division, a supportive and forward-thinking administration, incredible nursing staff and extensive dedicated support staff/services we were able to establish a cardiovascular program that transformed Cape Cod Hospital into a regional referral medical center providing cardiac care, procedures and interventions once only available in Boston (60-120 miles away for our Cape patients).
Our outcomes were excellent — recognized throughout the state, New England and nationally — and our patients only rarely had to leave the Cape to receive state-of-the-art care. The program became one of the jewels of Cape Cod Healthcare.
Dr. Zelman's skill, energy and vision are extraordinary and unapparelled. His ethical commitment to the highest standards of patient care are beyond reproach.
Dr. Zelman no longer has admitting and procedural privileges at Cape Cod Hospital. This is truly unfortunate and regrettable.
There are no winners here; only losers … the most significant of whom are the reason we practice medicine: our patients.
Dr. Lawrence S. McAuliffe, Yarmouthport
Rather than complain about problems, let's find solutions
The most dangerous challenges that face Americans today are created by the misinformation available in the vastmedia universe.
Moderate to extreme views on both sides of our political parties have fueled dissent — through the media — among our friends, family and co-workers. Alternative facts have replaced the truth so often we don't know which way is up.
Now, consider this fact about bias. What if our National Weather Service had a biased view? Or if weather stations reported incorrect information to say bolster tourism? Like in the movie "Jaws". Would that not put millions of Americans in harm's way? Just by reporting mistruths?
A place to live:Cape Cod strip malls could help with housing crisis. Here is one in Yarmouth.
Now, today just go to any conservative media source. FOX likely comes to mind in a trilogy echo chamber of FOX News, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post, all consequently owned by Rupert Murdoch. Tune in and see how bad the country is with zero regard for any signs of improvement. According to them why would anyone want to live in a country with so many problems?
On the flip side extremes from the progressives alienate the more moderate centrists, which reflects current and past electoral results.
Also lacking seem to be solutions for the many problems the entire world had to endure in re-starting the global economy after the pandemic. Ignorance is not bliss.
My feeling is you don't shut down the entire planet for over two years and expect it to come back online without the seen and unforeseen consequences. Taking so much time complaining about problems does not give us enough time to solve them.
F. Mike Sokasits, Eastham
Vineyard Wind 1 is first step toward ending fossil-fuel pollution
“Vineyard Wind 1 will eliminate 1.68 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year," according to the company. "That is the same as taking 325,000 cars off the road,” according to "Offshore wind farms off Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard: A guide of what to know". (Jan. 27).
What do we know about taking so many gas vehicles off the road? During the first lockdown of the pandemic, there were reports from around the world that pollution was significantly reduced, mostly because so many people had stopped driving.
In the Northeast, according to NASA, pollution was reduced by 30%. People who lived 125 miles from the Himalayas reported seeing the mountains for the first time in many years. People in Los Angeles and locations around the world reported the same.
Vineyard Wind’s (VW) estimate of 325,000 cars doesn’t include what happens if we buy a clean energy car or drive smart (see fueleconomy.gov). What happens if we ask our legislators to put a price on pollution — with a dividend for citizens? What happens if legislators pass a law to expand solar access to all housing units?
If we learned anything from the pandemic lockdown it’s that what we do matters. Vineyard Wind is the first step toward ending new extractions of fossil fuels and ending pollution. They are intent on providing us with clean energy and giving innovators the time to keep moving forward.
Jan Kubiac, Hyannis
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cardiologist Richard Zelman is a loss to Cape Cod Hospital, patients
