By Robert Sklaroff, M.D.

• React to this article in the Discussion Forum.

He may characterize the academic environment as too "professional" for unionization, but this is an untested proposition. Certainly, here is where the physicians reside who are NOT joining Organized Medicine, and here is where the YOUNG doctors are going as they leave training.

These physicians could benefit from a collective approach to attaining the rights due to them, and to their patients (such as appellate). Just as nursing supervisors are exempt but floor nurses aren’t (although they may supervise other members of the "team"), so too may most physicians who are not department chiefs be candidates for this approach to re-balancing their relationship with "management."

My focus is not upon the independent contractor, and I would not be trying to challenge the NLRB on this point. Contrariwise, I would emphasize the ability to join those whom we know can be joined. THEN, I'd survey the landscape and reformulate a more generalized plan.

Thus, I would ask Dr. Smith (newly-elected PMS-Vice President) please to address this particular facet of the problem, with particular emphasis on what he would agree Organized Medicine CANNOT provide AND on what other recourse exists to satisfy such BASIC, unrealized needs.