[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. HAROLD KATNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MARSHALL

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who 
has selflessly served his community for many years. Since the very 
beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic--more than 20 years ago--Dr. Harold 
Katner has been a leader in Middle Georgia's fight against AIDS. 
Through education, research, and treatment, Dr. Katner has spent the 
bulk of his career working to help the victims of this disease.
  When HIV/AIDS was first discovered, public fear of the disease was 
intense and its victims were often loathed and shunned. Recognizing the 
need to quell the public's fears, Dr. Katner realized that educating a 
skeptical public would be crucial in the fight against AIDS. He 
resolved to educate Middle Georgians whenever and wherever he could. 
Still today, Dr. Katner educates students of all levels--middle school, 
medical school, high school, college, as well as medical professionals. 
And his teaching efforts have not been limited to Mercer University or 
even to Georgia. Dr. Katner has given international presentations and 
has been recognized by various national organizations and international 
entities. One of his colleagues put it best: ``He gives AIDS 
presentations everywhere and anywhere, speaking to any group that 
invites him to talk'' about this devastating medical and social issue.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to his efforts to educate the public, Dr. 
Katner has also treated AIDS patients from the beginning. As a pioneer 
in the early 1980's, he was the only physician in the City of Macon who 
would treat AIDS patients. Treating a disease that disproportionately 
affects those in poverty is a special challenge because many of its 
victims cannot afford treatment, and understanding the financial 
difficulties facing many patients, Dr. Katner offered medical care 
without concern for remuneration. To this day, much of the treatment 
and education he offers is to those in poverty, particularly to the 
younger, more vulnerable members of society. For his work with 
patients, Dr. Katner has been recognized by the American Medical 
Association and Mercer University named him Attendant of the Year five 
times in 10 years.
  Dr. Katner's research efforts have been prolific, as well. He has 
published his research extensively and has presented his work to help 
educate his peers, as well as the general public. His credentials are 
considerable, and yet he is remains a caring, humble physician, 
dedicated to his patients in true homage to the Hippocratic Oath.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Katner's efforts in fighting against the AIDS 
epidemic--through research, treatment, education--have truly been those 
of a hero. Today, I hope that Middle Georgia and the country will join 
me in thanking this public servant, in the truest sense, for his 
tremendous efforts to help both the victims of AIDS and stop the spread 
of this epidemic.

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