Where I stand—Mike O’Callaghan: Good people in action

Tuesday, May 1, 2001 | 9:10 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

WILLIAM HALE, UMC chief executive, in an attempt to protect the proliferation of Quick Care centers, got carried away. Several doctors pointed out that the centers are subsidized by taxpayers and the centers' doctors have their malpractice liability capped at $50,000. Private physicians don't have the cover of very limited malpractice responsibility to patients offered by government-operated centers. Their malpractice liability can soar to several million dollars, and this sharply raises their costs. Hale attributed the complaints of the private physicians as being "motivated by greed." The UMC honcho should think before he attacks. Dr. Jim Hogan, my family physician, has done more for the needy people in this area than any government administrator. He also finds the time and energy every year to administer medical care for the poor in Central America. H ogan is one of the doctors expressing concern about the effect the centers operated by Hale can have on patients.

Seeing good people recognized by respected organizations is always pleasing if they are also personal friends. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Lloyd D. George was honored with a Presidential Citation at BYU commencement exercises. All of Nevada takes great pride in the accomplishments of this jurist and humanitarian. On the same day retired Nevada Supreme Court Justice Al Gunderson was in Los Angeles to be honored by the Southwestern University School of Law. The former judge and law professor was declared the school's Outstanding Friend. Nevadans feel the same way about the judge.

Every year my former high school students make me proud of their accomplishments. Kathleen Foy Kimmel brought the Nevada Opera Studio tour from Reno into several of our local schools. I figured that Kathy, the daughter of the late Jack Foy who headed up local musicians for years, would be involved in music. Therefore, it didn't surprise me to learn the tour presented The Barber of Seville for 25,000 students around the Silver State this spring. What is really pleasing is to note that many of the performances were in "at risk" schools. All reports tell us the group should return again and again.

The National Jewish Hospital couldn't have found a more deserving person than Pat Mulroy to honor. The lady has carried the load of several executives in managing the flow of water into our homes. Last month the High Country News, a Western publication, carried Mulroy's picture on its front page. The following story covering more than three pages told the story about her success as the manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. They saw her for the talent and skills she has displayed for many years in our area.

Retired Army Master Sergeant Richard Batchelor Jr. read my column about former Navajo leader Peter MacDonald and wrote, "I have always felt that all of American Natives were being short-changed by our government." He went on to point out that they are some of our nation's finest soldiers. Richie, I have to agree with you.

Dr. Stephanie Holland has developed a winner with her Child Focus Inc. It's a foster care program that is needed and deserves city, county and state support. Right now she is seeking private help and charitable donations. She can be reached at 702-650-6508.

The UNLV Women's Studies Program recently recognized a dozen women of Southern Nevada for their involvement in improving the community. Among them was Sun writer Mary Manning. Also honored were Catherine Bellver, Ruby Duncan, Joanne Goodwin, Mable Hoggard, Lubertha Johnson, Alice Key, Florence McClure, Sarann Preddy, Ellen Rose, Dina Titus and Liz Warren. It's my understanding that those honored were selected by student LeeAnn Marston. She must be credited for the research that led to these outstanding selections.