 
May 11, 2000
Sidney Seidman, M.D. Dear Dr. Seidman: The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) is extremely troubled that foreign physicians, unlicensed by the State of Maryland, are practicing medicine in the State illegally with the blessing of the federal government. Based on the government's own reports, several Cuban physicians have been providing medical evaluation and treatment to Eli�n Gonzalez while has been residing on private property in the State of Maryland since the end of April. There seems to be a flagrant violation by the federal government of the jurisdiction of the State of Maryland, specifically the Board of Physician Quality Assurance's legislated power to license and oversee the practice of medicine. To allow the U.S. Department of Justice and INS to continue to usurp the constitutional power of the State of Maryland is to set a dangerous precedent to allow physicians unlicensed in the United States to practice medicine. Therefore, on behalf of our hundreds of thousands of members and the patients they represent, we ask the Board of Physician Quality Assurance take immediate appropriate action to halt this illegal practice of medicine. The integrity of the profession of medicine, as well as the safety of all patients, it at risk. Sincerely yours, Jane M. Orient, M.D. |