To the FML and my good friend Mike Dutton:
 
Sorry to be out of circulation for a while, but it's only going to get worse
before it is getting better.  Have spent the better part of the last week
preparing for a general's briefing, 2) briefings for the Army veterinary
corps, and 3) a site visit to several universities in Puerto Rico with whom
I am consulting in the areas of science education and research.  Add on top
of that putting a course together for the end of February for 150
pathologists, and you have a non-stop 20-hour-a-day work marathon.
 
For the next ten days, I will be enroute to San Antonio and Puerto Rico, so
I am hoping that the other vets on the list will jump on in (I'm sure they
will)
 
To the crux of this post (other than offering empty excuses):
Mike Dutton posted this two days ago:
 
>... I received a telephone call from a veterinarian who was a little
>miffed that her client brought in one of my listings and that I tried to
>diagnose over the internet with the barest of facts.  In the end I assured
>her that the FML is just a resource out there for owners, etc.  and
>encouraged her to sign up.  The big problem was the client being a little
>overbearing presenting their on-line information.
 
That does happen every once in a while.  But I've never had a real problem
with any of the vets who have given me a call - most are simply looking
for information, or someone with a little more experience.  I always try
to be diplomatic and refrain from saying "Dr.  So-and-so's a real moron"
on the FML.
 
>The other was an e-mail from a FML er questioning my qualifications and
>who did I think I was stealing Dr. Williams spot.  Hey, it was personal
>flame mail :)
 
Now this one I find somewhat irresponsible.  I don't consider myself as
having a "spot" on the FML.  I think the interaction between vets on the FML
is outstanding, and I encourage all of you out there to spend some time
answering questions.  Mike you have done a terriffic job, and I hope you
keep it up.  At 40-50 articles daily, there's way too much going on for one
vet to keep up with.  And, as I am entering my busy time of the year, I can
use all of the help I can get.  I think the FML is lucky to have vets like
Mike Dutton and Charlie Weiss out there, and I hope that all of you will not
only listen to their advice, but if something goes awry, hop in the car and
drive a while to see them at their clinics.
 
On to warmer climes......see you in about ten days....
 
Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP              Chief Pathologist, AccuPath
Dept. of Veterinary Pathology               [log in to unmask]
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1460]