[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 60 (Thursday, April 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO DR. RAYMUNDO D. TALABAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 1999

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. 
Raymundo D. Talaban who is retiring from Madison Medical Center after 
28 years of dedicated service to the medically under served people of 
southern Missouri. Dr. Talaban is a doctor of medicine, (an 
accomplishment that earns accolades by itself), but more importantly he 
is a doctor in a part of my District which typifies rural America. Some 
may have a hard time understanding the problems with health care access 
in rural America. Mr. Speaker, in southern Missouri there are only 
three health care professionals for every 100 people, and the average 
hospital is located anywhere from 35 minutes to two hours away from the 
next hospital. Many times people must take time from work and drive 
hours to the nearest hospital to receive what other people would 
consider a routine procedure or checkup. So you see, in this part of 
America, Dr. Talaban is not just another doctor, he is one of a few who 
brings care and attention to many.
  Dr. Talaban's wife, Nenita, has proudly shared with me some of the 
her husband's wonderful accomplishments. I would have to say that Dr. 
Talaban's most outstanding achievement must be his family, including 
his three daughters: Caroline, Catherine, Andrea and his three 
grandchildren. I'm sure they realize what a wonderful father and 
grandfather they have, a role model and a man who spent the entirety of 
his life helping others.
  Dr. Talaban received his medical degree from Far Eastern University 
Medical School in Manilla, Phillippines. Before he came to Madison 
Medical Center, Dr. Talaban worked at Missouri Baptist Hospital and St. 
Louis State Hospital. The folks of southern Missouri were lucky enough 
to have him come on board at Madison Medical Center in 1971. There Dr. 
Talaban held two prestigious positions as Vice Chief of Staff and Chief 
of Surgery. He not only established a record of outstanding care, but 
also a history on unfailing compassion.
  Dr. Talaban also found time to volunteer his services to the American 
Red Cross and advisor to the American Cancer Society. His membership in 
many prestigious groups including the Philippine Medical Society of 
Greater St. Louis, the American Medical Society, The American Society 
of Abdominal Surgeons, the Missouri State Medical Society, and the St. 
Louis Metropolitan Medical Society enhanced his ability to give quality 
health care to the people of Madison County.
  Dr. Talaban, I want to thank you for dedicating your life to helping 
others. Although we all will be sorry to see you leave Madison Medical 
Center, we hope that you will heartily enjoy the years of your 
retirement. My thoughts are with you, Dr. Talaban, as you, your family 
and friends come together to celebrate all the important years that you 
dedicated to our community. You had a very positive impact on peoples' 
lives in rural southern Missouri, and we will never forget your 
dedication and service to our community.

                          ____________________