1970

Although a little dated, a recently received article describing Dave Gilmour's activities is well worth relating here. It seems that in his capacity as the Jackson County, Ore., public-health officer Dave recently instituted court proceedings against a couple of non-compliant tuberculosis patients. What made this unusual move all the more unusual was the fact that Dave knew TB as more than a textbook disease. In 1976 he contracted TB himself while serving as a physician in the Western Samoans with the Peace Corps and required the standard treatment of daily medication for a full year. Dave regretted the necessity of taking such harsh action against private individuals, but concluded that strong measures to protect the public against a communicable disease outweighed the rights of uncooperative patients.

Dave knows the perils of an astonishing array of other "exotic" diseases pretty personally as well. In Samoa he saw not only TB but also worms, filarisuls, and leprosy. He saw widespread starvation and fatal cases of dehydration while finishing medical school in the early 1970s in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He encountered the special health needs of the Navajo and Zuni when he worked for the Public Health Department in Gallup, N.M. And these days he's most frustrated by the apathy and consequences surrounding infant and child immunization right there in southern Oregon.

Dave finished his medical residency in Honolulu in 1981 and then moved his wife and two children to Central Point, Ore., to practice family medicine. He took on added responsibilities as county public-health officer in 1987. And if all that weren't enough, Dave also serves on the Central Point School Board. He traces his commitment to education to his parents, both of whom were teachers.

Dave, you're a credit to the class, and as such deserving of the last word: "My personal feeling is that everyone should give back in some form, or society will cave in as a whole. There's got to be something that pulls the social fabric together."

Now here's Preston Conklin again, front and center: "As the Reunion book deadline approaches, photos and written commentaries from a large number of classmates are still needed. An informal picture and a few paragraphs covering you and your family activities would be ideal, and comments on your current vocational and avocational interest would also be welcome. You could register your opinions or expectations about the next 25 years or the current state of the country, the world, or even the College. In doubt, too lazy, or too busy? Then consider the report from Dave Prentice '69 that the consistent sentiment among his classmates who failed to participate was regret for their lapse.

"Thanks to all who have supported the project to date, in particular to those who have contributed financially. Many more $l00 donations and a few for $.1,000 or more (to Dartmouth 1970) to cover costs are still needed. Please send your entry within the next week, and enclose a check if at all possible. The address is: Preston Conklin, P.O. Box 740, Kennebunkport, ME 04046."

May I close with a little guilt, folks? If I've managed to churn out columns for you to enjoy here seven or eight times a year for nine years now, can't you help the Conklins with just one measly little submission? You have enjoyed these columns, haven't you?

Del Puerto Hospital P.O Box 187 Patterson, CA 95363