Dads, Docs, Drugs, and Decisions

Abstract

To the Editor. —I could not agree with the conclusions of Drs LaPuma and Priest 1 any more strongly. It is common for us to treat our own family members, particularly our children, for what we consider routine exams, especially when this involves filling out forms for athletic, school, or employment physicals. Recently, my oldest daughter, a healthy-looking 21-year-old and a senior in college, needed a physical examination as part of postgraduate pursuit. In bold letters on the top of the physical examination sheet was printed May Not Be Completed by a Family Member. With this, my daughter went to our family physician who performed a thorough examination. He found a very small lump at the base of her neck. I found the lump difficult to even feel, and I am quite sure I would have discounted it on my examination. After a few weeks, definitive diagnosis of stage II