Helpful article.

Editor:

I learned of Dr. Jack Pulec's death in the January issue of the EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL and was sad to read of his passing. Reading of his accomplishments was truly inspiring. ENT JOURNAL is one of the most practical publications in our field, and I trust the Editorial Board will continue that course.

Some of the other journals are, frankly, of no interest to a practicing otolaryngologist, and it would be sad if the editorial policy changed. Not only is it of value to doctors in practice, but also to those in retirement. I have found it tremendously useful. I have a part-time job as an ENT consultant to a large HMO in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut), and I review surgical requests in our specialty and pass on them or deny them. Therefore, keeping up with what is going on in our field is essential. A quick anecdote will prove my point.

I denied a request for a surgical procedure to treat a patient with proven Meniere's disease. The doctor not only appealed my decision but also called and enlisted the help of a U.S. senator's staff in this matter. The medical director and legal department went into orbit concerning the case and wanted a full written report validating my decision to counter the appeal (and the political heat).

Much has been written about Meniere's disease and, in fact, one could write a textbook on the subject. Fortunately, ENT JOURNAL had recently published a comprehensive article on the surgical treatments for the disease (Silverstein H, Lewis WB, Jackson LE, et al. Changing trends in the surgical treatment of Meniere's disease: Results of a 10-year survey. Ear Nose Throat J 2003;82:185-94). The physician's procedure was not listed, as it was outdated and had failed to be clinically effective.

Our legal department sent the case and my report (with a copy of the article) to an outside consultant, who backed up my decision. The doctor and the senator's staff dropped their appeal.

I write of this matter to let you know what an important contribution ENT JOURNAL makes to our field. Please keep up the good work.

Sincerely yours,

David McKee, MD

Greenwich, Connecticut 

Response:

Thank you for your comments. The Editorial Board is grateful for your support and will continue to make every effort to maintain the strengths of EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL and to keep it as practical and reader-friendly as it has always been.

With best regards,

Robert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA Editor-in-Chief

EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL