[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]




                   SALUTING PATIENT APPRECIATION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 20, 1999

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our nation's doctors 
and patients. The Genesee County Medical Society has proclaimed today, 
and the third Tuesday of every October thereafter, as ``Patient 
Appreciation Day.'' At events around Genesee County, doctors are 
expressing their gratitude to their patients and are recognizing the 
great benefits of the doctor/patient relationship. I commend their 
efforts to reach out to patients and share their gratitude.
  At a time when the news is filled with negative stories about managed 
care, I believe Patient Appreciation Day is a positive way to recognize 
all the good things that are happening in our nation's health care 
system. Patient Appreciation Day is a time to mark the important role 
that patients play in making our nation's health care system the best 
in the world. It is a day when doctors take an extra moment with their 
patients to express their gratitude and celebrate the opportunities 
they are given to provide their life-giving services.
  It is my greatest hope that the Genesee County Medical Society has 
started a nationwide trend and that doctors across the country join in 
celebrating ``Patient Appreciation Day'' in the future. the Genesee 
County Medical Society should be applauded for their positive efforts 
toward improving the lives of the patients they serve.

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