Of MDs and muscles - lessons from two 'retired steroid doctors'

Article Abstract:

In the 1988 Summer Olympic Games held in Seoul, South Korea, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson won the 100-meter race with a record-breaking time. It was later revealed that he had used steroid drugs to build his muscles, a practice forbidden for Olympic athletes. Canada was deeply embarrassed by the incident and launched a thorough investigation into the case. The inquiry, known as the Dubin Inquiry, after presiding Honorable Justice Charles Leonard Dubin, revealed that Johnson's physician of five years, George Mario Astaphan, had prescribed the banned steroids for him. Ben Johnson himself confessed to using them, although there was some confusion over the specific drug involved. While Johnson was the unfortunate individual who got caught using steroids, the inquiry uncovered the reality that many other international athletes do the same and are not caught. Issues relating to steroid use by athletes are discussed. Physicians actually prescribe 20 percent of all steroids to athletes, even though the drugs are harmful to the health of these young athletes, as well as being illicit for certain types of competitive events. Many athletes support random drug testing to ensure that no one individual has an unfair advantage. Two physicians who have retired from their former roles as "steroid maestros" (including Dr. Astaphan) discuss why they once participated in this practice and what prompted them to abandon it. Astaphan concluded that the elite athletes form a type of international club; each member knows the others are abusing steroids without knowing exactly what drug and when it is being used. The final report of the Dubin Inquiry will be released in April 1990. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Reports, Investigations, Ethical aspects, Dosage and administration, Sports medicine, Athletic trainers, Drugs and athletes, Anabolic steroids, Johnson, Ben (Canadian athlete), Astaphan, George Mario, Dubin, Justice Charles Leonard

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AARP's call to arms: 'reform health care - now!' (American Association of Retired Persons)(At Large with Dennis L. Breo) (Column)

Article Abstract:

Health care reform is one of the most important issues on the agenda of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), an organization open to anyone over 50 years old. The cost of health care is increasing at a rapid rate, and many individuals are uninsured. Many individuals and their families also cannot afford the cost of long-term or nursing home care. The AARP's concern with affordable health care is increasing as a result of the aging of the US population. It has drafted a proposal to provide universal health care coverage and long-term care to US residents through a program based on $112 billion in new taxes. This plan conflicts with the American Medical Association's viewpoint, which emphasizes the privatization of medicine. The AARP has a staff of 18 lobbyists, and is actively involved in all types of consumer issues important to older individuals.

Planning, Column, Social policy, AARP, Health care reform

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JFK's death, part III - Dr. Finck speaks out: 'two bullets, from the rear.' (At Large with Dennis L. Breo)

Article Abstract:

JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, published an interview with two pathologists who did the autopsy on John F. Kennedy in 1963. But the third pathologist, Pierre Finck, was not interviewed, leading some readers to suspect that JAMA's editors were involved in a coverup. Dr. Finck was subsequently interviewed, and confirmed that the president was killed by two bullets that struck him from behind. He also said that military generals were present at the time, but did not interfere with the autopsy.

Interview, Kennedy, John F., Assassination, Finck, Pierre

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