(To Governor Schafer) Being wary of physicians most of my life and finally finding those I have much trust in including my podiatrist, I was very surprised to see Dr. Brian Gale’s name in the paper with the Board revoking his license. I had vowed never to go to another foot doctor after my horrendous experience with a Dr. X some fifteen years ago. I wanted a bunion removed that was extremely painful at times but he told me after quickly looking at my foot and taking no x-rays that "Why bother, it will just grow back again anyway?" He also said I would be lucky if I were still able to walk after I reached 65. He demonstrated the rudest behavior I believe any doctor could display. I have talked to many people since then that have experienced the same rudeness. I left in tears with no intention of ever seeing a foot doctor again. I was in my early 30’s and very active so this was quite devastating to me and I remember it like it was yesterday. Just last year, a girl who worked at the Office where I work mentioned how wonderful her feet felt and now she could walk great distances without the pain she once had. She had the surgery from a Dr. Gale and encouraged me to see him since our problems were so similar. I went with very little optimism that anything could be done. Well, Dr. Gale straightened my hammertoes;; one of my toes was actually crossed over the big toe all the time and had popped out of joint. He removed the bunion that X said would just grow back, and realigned my toe to a normal position. Everything was done so smoothly from the paperwork to the office visits before and after and (I) was extremely impressed and surprised by the great results of my foot. He treated me so nice before, during and after surgery. The after-care form Dr. Gale and his staff was the best I had ever experienced. The Board says he rushes into surgery too fast and should take a more conservative approach. I’m sure not an example of that; this was my only option and I am sure that other patients were told of their options also. I believe we as patients forget that miracles cannot be performed and can be quick to blame the doctor even when he has explained the situation thoroughly. I am a very satisfied patient and feel a great injustice is being done to all of his patients as well as him. After all, we do deserve to choose the doctor we feel is best for our specific needs, do we not? Two weeks ago Dr. Tello saw my foot and said the procedure was the right one and he would have done it exactly the same. Is he too incompetent? I have heard from patients and other doctors that there is a long-standing bitterness for Dr. Gale from Dr. X ever since he left his practice to be on his own. If this is true, a great injustice has been made and needs to be changed. Thank you for your time; I sincerely hope when I have my other foot surgery this summer I will be able to choose Dr. Gale. Sincerely,