[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DR. LEONARD J. KLAY, MD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2007

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today together with 
my colleague, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, to honor Dr. Leonard Klay and 
recognize his contributions to medicine in Sonoma County and the State 
of California. The Sonoma County Medical Association is taking this 
opportunity to recognize Dr. Klay's ongoing commitment to organized, 
high-quality medical service for the community of Sonoma County.
  Dr. Klay grew up and completed high school in southern California 
before receiving his bachelor's degree with distinction from Stanford 
University in 1959. He continued at Stanford, graduating from medical 
school in 1962 and going on to complete his internship and residency in 
southern California. He served as a major in the U.S. Army from 1967-
1970 during which time he served overseas.
  After beginning his practice with the Permanente Group in 1970 as an 
OB/GYN, Dr. Klay moved to private practice in 1971 where he remained 
for 29 years, finally moving to the Sutter OB/GYN Medical Group in 
2000. He retired in 2004, but continues to assist part-time as an 
obstetric surgeon. For the last 35 years he has generously given his 
time to assist at the Sonoma County Family Planning Clinic, and he 
remains there as a valued volunteer. In 1999 he joined the staff at the 
Santa Rosa Community Hospital as a Clinical Professor where he helps 
train a new generation of doctors.
  Dr. Klay has made numerous contributions to the medical profession as 
an outspoken leader in Sonoma County and around the State. He has twice 
been elected president of the Sonoma County Medical Association, and 
has served on a wide variety of committees within that body. Active in 
the California Medical Association for 36 years, he has served as a 
delegate and Tenth District Chair. He has served on a number of county 
commissions focused on perinatal substance abuse, and has worked to 
stabilize healthcare in Sonoma County through participation as a 
trustee or director on numerous boards.
  Dr. Klay has been particularly active in his community in fighting to 
implement public smoking bans, and reduce tobacco use by raising the 
smoking age. His endeavors in this direction were successful when the 
city of Healdsburg passed that ban. He continues to advocate against 
smoking in other forums and is on the county's Tobacco Coalition.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Dr. 
Leonard Klay for his many years of service on behalf of the people of 
Sonoma County. He has worked tirelessly to improve health care and the 
medical profession, and he deserves our thanks.

                          ____________________