COLUMNS

By William G. Hospodar Director, Veterans Affairs

Why Veterans Day? Who is a veteran at OSU?

These two very important questions deserve an answer. Veterans Day commemorates the armistice of World War I, the Great War (1918), and was originally called"Armistice Day." It was the celebration of the"war to end all wars," but obviously was not the end of warfare; in fact, it was the precursor of warfare throughout the 20th century, right up to the present day in our war against terrorism.

In 1954, Armistice Day became Veterans Day as a tribute to all those who served America in all wars.

At The Ohio State University, we have nearly 2,000 faculty and staff members who are veterans of our armed forces, and 800 student veterans. Some think of veterans as the older generation who served in World War II, Korea or Vietnam. However, we have many students in their teens and early 20s who are on campus and who are considered veterans. They are serving their country as members of the National Guard and the U.S. Reserves while they earn a college degree. Some have served in Kosovo, Bosnia and the Persian Gulf, and many are on alert for or are participating in Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom.

Whether they are young or older, they are serving our country and deserve our utmost respect and honor. Many of our veterans bear the disabilities and scars of service. The families of others, who never returned from their service, live always with a profound sense of loss. It is our duty to remember what our veterans have done and to uphold our commitments to them and their families.

Of the 40 million veterans who have served in America's military since the Revolutionary War, over 20 million are with us today. Not distant historical footnotes, but as close as a father or mother, brother or sister, grandfather or grandmother, friend or neighbor. Their tradition of service extends beyond the battlefield and the barracks. In civilian life, many veterans are leaders in all walks of life, serve in an array of civic-minded positions, and set a fine example and role model for young Americans.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, should remind us of all the efforts it takes to keep our country free. Take a moment to thank a veteran who has already served our country, and encourage those who continue to serve in active service today.

When to get a second opinion

By David E. Schuller

Director, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute

One of the most unsettling moments in patients' lives is hearing the news they need a serious operation or procedure. The prospect of entering a hospital for even the most routine surgery invariably generates a lot of questions, and when it is a procedure that could mean the difference between life and death, those questions merit heightened focus Ñ and may often lead to the quest for a second opinion.

It is perfectly normal to want as much information as possible before committing to a particular course of treatment. It is also important to know that second opinions are not necessarily any better than first opinions. Often, however, they do offer patients a different slant on treatment options or risks, and they can be valuable in helping patients feel they are getting the best care available. But how do you know you need a second opinion? Where do you go to find the appropriate professional? Finally, who pays for it? These are all important considerations.

Frankly, you need a second opinion if you have any doubt or concern about a physician's recommendation as the correct course of action. Patients sometimes worry that a patient's desire for a second opinion might upset their physician. Nothing could be further from the truth. We welcome expert advice at any time. So it's important to follow your instincts, your gut feeling. We can even help you find an appropriate source for another opinion. If you'd like to undertake that task for yourself, however, here are a few suggestions:

• Consult your local medical society, university or medical college to find the best experts nearest you. Generally, the top clinicians in their fields will be what we call"board-certified" in their specialties. That means they have passed the most rigorous tests of both professional ability and ethical standards.

• For surgeons, in particular, the designation of the letters"F.A.C.S" is important. Those letters stand for"Fellow of the American College of Surgeons," additional evidence the physician has gone above and beyond the standard training to achieve a higher level of expertise.

• Be sure to check with your individual insurance plan to find out if second opinions are a covered expense. Some plans pay for them; some do not. Some plans actually encourage them!

It is generally the patient's responsibility to make sure that the person offering the second opinion has all the records and appropriate data in hand to render the opinion meaningful. That may mean a trip to your doctor's office to request your records, and it may or may not mean a fee.

Finally, when you have located someone you value and trust, there are several questions you may want to ask. You may want to know how he or she reads the indications for treatment, what effects the suggested treatment may have, what are some alternative treatments, what is likely to happen if you don't have any treatment at all and what are the risks involved in the various options.

The final decision, of course, is always up to you. Today's physicians value patients who are empowered with information and confidence. We are your partners in care, and if getting a second opinion is what you need, well, then that's just what the doctor would order!