[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO DR. MOUSTAPHA ABOU-SAMRA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 1998

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Moustapha 
Abou-Samra, this year's recipient of the Physician of the Year Award 
from the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation.
  Dr. Abou-Samra, a neurosurgeon who practices at Community Memorial 
Hospital, Ventura County Medical Center and St. John's Hospital, has 
made valuable contributions to Ventura's medical community for nearly 
20 years.
  He is president of the Community Memorial Hospital Foundation, serves 
on its Board of Trustees and is a member of the Benefactor's Committee. 
At Ventura County Medical Center, Dr. Abou-Smara served as president of 
the medical staff, was Chief of Surgery, and served as Chairman of the 
Quality Assurance Committee and of the Ethics Committee.
  Dr. Abou-Samra also taught classes on ``Understanding Cancer.'' He 
served as the president of the board for the American Cancer Society 
and was presented the prestigious Golden Sword Award by the 
organization. Dr. Abou-Samra introduced and coordinated the ``Think 
First Program,'' a head and spinal prevention program that has become 
recognized nationwide.
  Dr. Abou-Samra also has served on numerous other boards, including 
the Easter Seals Board of Medical Directors, the Ventura County 
Symphony and St. Paul's Parish Day School. He is currently on the board 
of the Ojai Festival.
  Dr. Abou-Samra is obviously deserving of this award.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing Dr. 
Abou-Samra for his many years of promoting a healthy America and wish 
him many more years of service to the medical community.

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