[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 71 (Monday, May 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING DR. OTTO MULLER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 17, 1999

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my 
constituent, Dr. Otto F. Muller, a talented cardiologist who is 
retiring after forty years of service in the medical field. Highlights 
of Dr. Muller's career include ten years of service as the Chief of the 
Cardiovascular Clinic at Philadelphia General Hospital; and thirty five 
years as the Director of Research and Education, Medicine, and 
Cardiology at Mercy Catholic Medical Center. Most recently, Dr. Muller 
practiced with the Kelly Cardiovascular Group. Early in his career, Dr. 
Muller received fellowship and investigator grants from the American 
Heart Association, and served as its President from 1980-1982.
  Heart disease is America's number one killer, and stroke is the 
number three killer. The state of Pennsylvania, in which Dr. Muller 
practices, ranks fifteenth in the United States for heart disease 
deaths. More than one in five Americans suffer from cardiovascular 
disease, the leading cause of disability, at an estimated cost of $287 
billion in medical expenses and lost productivity. Moreover, the World 
Health Organization predicts that within twenty five years, heart 
disease will surpass pneumonia as the leading cause of death and 
disability worldwide.
  I personally understand the dedication of doctors who are committed 
to battling cardiovascular disease. Three years ago, I underwent a 
successful coronary artery bypass graft after blockage of a coronary 
artery was detected during a routine screening. I was able to return to 
my full schedule of activities following the surgery, and my 
cardiologist placed me on a regimen of proper diet and exercise which 
has helped me to avoid further surgery. I applaud Dr. Muller for his 
dedication to his practice. For forty years, he has been a leader in 
the fight to eradicate this deadly disease. My own experience has 
taught me the need for increased awareness of this disease, and I have 
become one of the strongest advocates for increased research dollars.
  I wish Dr. Muller the best of luck in his future endeavors, and thank 
him for his years of service in battling heart disease and stroke.

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