[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. RICHARD BERTKEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 20, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Richard 
Bertken, a native of the San Joaquin Valley. Dr. Bertken returned to 
Fresno after completing his studies at USC, UCLA, The George Washington 
University, and Stanford University. He was one of the first medical 
practitioners with the University of California San Francisco Medical 
School, Fresno. Dr. Bertken has officially retired from his government 
position with Veterans Administration Medical Center, but will continue 
to see patients as a consultant.
  Dr. Bertken achieved state of the art therapeutic modalities. Many 
patients with Rheumatological and Immunological problems awaited his 
expertise. In a short time, his patients graduated from wheel chairs to 
crutches, to full ambulation; for many, a return to full employment and 
to all, an improved quality of life.
  Dr. Bertken considered the needs of the whole person, displaying 
genuine concern. He is dedicated not to just lessen pain but to 
eliminate it and prevent disability. Dr. Bertken is a strong patient 
advocate, seeking access to the most recent approved medications and 
treatments for his patients.
  With his enthusiasm and positive attitude, he empowers patients under 
his care to take an active participation in their treatment plan 
through education and self-management. His vision for patients living 
quality productive lives include not just our veteran population, but 
also those he treats at the University Medical Center where he 
practices with the UCSF program.
  As a leader he has established a culture of integrity for both 
patients and staff, an accountable and truthful standard of practice in 
health care delivery.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Dr. Bertken for his service to the 
community and his patients. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing 
Dr. Richard Bertken many more years of continued success.

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