Dr. Abergel "supposed CRNA-basher" wrote to me...

Here is the e-mail is sent him:

Subject: TOTAL UNTRUTH

Dr. Abergel,

I have enjoyed Vogue magazine for many years. I was quite upset when you slandered the profession of Nurse Anesthesia - a profession where safety and patient care are foremost matters. I will not be purchasing any more copies of this magazine, and I am considering writing to the editor of Vogue and to the AANA. It's ridiculous that as a surgeon, you have to bash CRNAs to try to bring in more bu$ine$$. If this is the case, I hope the effort fails.
-------------------------------------------------------

Here is his response:

Dear Kelly Kaufman,

Unfortunately, the comment published in Vogue is being taken out of context
and does not represent the full scope of my beliefs. I wanted to emphasize
anesthesia should not be performed by the surgeon or by unqualified
assistants. Rather, anesthesia should be administered by professionals
trained in the field of anesthesia, whether it is a Nurse Anesthetists or a
Physician Anesthesiologist.

I had no control over the editing of this article. I have high regard for
the profession of Nurse Anesthetists. My comments in no way were intended
to undermine your valuable contribution to the field of health care. I
apologize if that is the way it has been perceived by the article.

Best Regards,


R. Patrick Abergel, M.D.



**********UPDATE**********
This letter has been received by others who e-mailed him.