[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 121 (Monday, September 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     CONGRATULATIONS TO SHARP REES-STEALY ON THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BRIAN P. BILBRAY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 1998

  Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, in 1923, Time magazine published its first 
issue, Amelia Earhart received a pilot's certificate, Walt and Roy 
Disney began a movie studio, and two San Diego physicians joined 
together to establish the area's first multi-specialty group practice.
  The two physician/surgeons, Clarence Rees, M.D. and Clair Stealy, 
M.D., believed that patient care would be enhanced if doctors 
representing multiple specialties worked together. Now, 75 years later, 
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group is one of the largest multi-specialty 
groups in Southern California.
  In 1923, combining specialties was a bold act, but physicians who 
joined Rees-Stealy soon learned they were able to collaborate with 
colleagues from other specialties, vastly improving the diagnostic 
process and providing comprehensive, efficient and thorough patient 
care in a cost-effective manner. Because of this, Sharp Rees-Stealy 
became the official physicians for local schools, the police and fire 
departments and other civic organizations in addition to serving 
thousands of San Diegans.
  With the group's unique position in the community, Dr. Stealy 
initiated the first citywide physician referral service for patients 
and the first (and largest until 1966) medical library in San Diego. He 
was also instrumental in starting a teaching service at what was then 
County Hospital, and was a founding member of the American College of 
Physicians. Dr. Rees was the first member of the American College of 
Surgeons west of the Mississippi.
  Both doctors placed a premium on research as well, establishing the 
Rees-Stealy Medical Research Foundation in 1938.
  In 1976, the first satellite office opened in Mira Mesa, and in 1983, 
the McCausland-Robinson Medical Clinics of Chula Vista merged with 
Rees-Stealy.
  In 1985, the medical group took another bold step into the future of 
health care by affiliating with Sharp HealthCare, creating the Sharp 
Rees-Stealy Medical Group. This joint venture was the first of its kind 
in San Diego and attracted national attention.
  Today, the tradition of quality and caring continues. Sharp Rees-
Stealy now has 14 San Diego County locations with more than 280 
physicians representing virtually every field of medicine. Sharp Rees-
Stealy is one of the few providers who allows its HMO patients to refer 
themselves to some of its specialists. Patients also have access to 24-
hour health care advice, same day primary care appointments, and urgent 
care centers to deliver care whenever their patients need it.
  While times have changed over the last 75 years, the doctors and 
staff at Sharp Rees-Stealy still believe in old-fashioned quality care 
with a personal touch. I know that my congressional colleagues will 
join me in congratulating them on their incredible record and wish them 
the very best for the next 75 years.

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