EHR vendors just don't know when to give up when it comes to medical records. Simply put, the record consists of an interface between the patient and doctor, not between the computer and medicine. The reason so much error occurs in implementing these systems is because no such system exists. My advice to the vendors and advocates is: Take your systems and apply them to an area that corresponds more to your mindset—for example, fast-food restaurants.

Lawrence J. Fortuna, MD
Pompano, FL

More members needed to stay vital

Despite the good intentions of the AMA's chief marketing officer Gary Epstein and its current leadership, I do not believe its new campaign will produce anything more than a significant cost to the AMA's budget, and the campaign will do nothing to stop the continuing decrease in dues-paying members.

I've been an AMA member for 36 years and former delegate for 24 years, and while I plan to maintain my membership for life, I think if the AMA doesn't soon adopt a nondues strategy, the last paying member would be well advised to "turn out the lights" at the AMA when he leaves.

George Waldmann, MD
Portland, OR