First encounter overlooked

Valerie Gregg's article, "Promises Writ in Stone," in the Summer 2003 issue of Momentum was quite interesting as it described the evolution of the Winship Cancer Institute. I was disappointed, however, that no mention was made of Diagnostic Imaging's role in the overall cancer scenario. Often a visit to Diagnostic Imaging is a patient's first encounter in the Emory system in seeking treatment for cancer.

Many times a cancer diagnosis is first made from imaging studies as basic as a chest x-ray, barium enema, or spine x-ray. Most of my section, Diagnostic Radiology, has moved from Clinic A to the Compassion (tunnel) level of the WCI. Also moving with us are CT, MRI, and Ultrasound.

While research and advanced treatments and procedures are to be applauded, let us not forget that before patients can be effectively treated, their disease must first be accurately diagnosed.

Donna Dalton
Staff Technologist, Diagnostic Radiology
The Emory Clinic

Support Grady

I appreciate Mike Johns' thoughtful words about Grady in his editorial in the summer edition of Momentum. I agree with him that Grady is an extraordinary resource for us at Emory both for teaching and for translational and population-based research. All the faculty throughout the WHSC should unite around his call to support Grady. The interest should be beyond those of us who work there -- it should also be of interest to everyone on campus, including those in the schools of public health and nursing.

Carlos del Rio
Chief of Medicine, Grady Hospital
Co-director, Internal Medicine Residency Program