01/25/08: Honor Dr. Allen for work with blind vets - Dr. Walt Sundstrom

Regarding the Jan. 15 article on helping blind veterans, Dr. Jim Allen's persistent efforts, with the assistance of Rep. Tammy Baldwin, to enact legislation favoring the assistance of visually impaired veterans is indeed a wonderful tribute to both the veterans and Dr. Allen.

Dr. Allen embodies the traits of a physician that we all should emulate. He is kind, empathetic, listens and is knowledgeable. Further, his care does not cease when the consultation is completed, as demonstrated by the accomplishment of this new legislation.

It is appropriate that the Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital has received a sizeable grant to develop this program to assist veterans with impaired vision. I think it would be appropriate to name this legislation "Dr. James Allen's Visually Handicapped Assistance Legislation for Veterans. "

-- Dr. Walt Sundstrom, Madison, former chief of medicine, William S. Middleton VA Hospital