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]