1. Meet with Dr. Gale personally to
hear his side of the story as well as to get a feel for the person he
is. I am requesting that you do this yourself and to not use Duane
Houdak as a shield. Duane's wife works with one of the board members
and I believe he has come to his own conclusions in this matter.
Although his job does not allow him to do this. He is after all human
and subject to error.
2. Please Veto the first part of House
Bill 1377. I heard all testimony for and against this bill. It amazes
me that every one including other Podiatrists in the state. Except for
two people (the board president and his attorney) were opposed to this
bill. And yet it passed. As Governor I would be cautious as the state
is responsible for this board and any bad will and malicious behavior
by the board would reflect the state itself. This is a very serious
concern.
3. Replace ALL
BOARD MEMBERS IMMEDIATELY!! What harm would this do?? Allow the
podiatrists in the state as a whole to be involved with any future
appointments you make to the Podiatry Board. This is fair is it not?
In the past, the podiatrists as a group have not had any input into
who was appointed to the Board. With fair and unbiased people on the
board, the issues with Dr. Gale will be resolved promptly and without
further cost to the taxpayers. Dr. Gale was disciplined for very
suspicious complaints. Direct competitors submitted most. One reason
for being disciplined was for not taking an intraoperative x-ray, yet
the x-ray as well as the radiologist report is present to this day
(suspicious?) Another complaint states that he did not do enough
conservative care before doing surgery. Yet it is documented by
another podiatrist in the state that he referred this patient to Dr.
Gale after a considerable amount of conservative care was done on this
patient without relief (suspicious?) Yet another example is a patient
who had surgical complications from another podiatrist (president of
the board.) and had surgery by Dr. Gale to correct these problems. Now
submits a complaint (suspicious?)
I could continue forever with examples,
but my point is that there is enough shadow of a doubt and conflict of
interest to warrant an investigation by the Attorney Generals Office.
If I seem somewhat direct or negative it
is because I am weary. I have watched Dr. Gale and Tami live through
this nightmare for 2 out of 8 years. I have seen a lively and booming
business come to a halt. I have seen wonderful patients without the help
they require because a corrupt board stops Dr. Gales hands. I see an
ongoing fight that is never won because NO
ONE CARES THAT THERE IS WRONG DOING IN NORTH DAKOTA. I have seen a
good and decent employer, Podiatrist, husband and father brought to his
knees. I see a person who cannot even go to another state to escape this
corrupt board because they will not license him due to this injustice.
I see a person who is deprived of his
right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
As a Governor you are obligated to
investigate wrongdoing of a State Board. As a father and husband I would
hope you walk a day in the life of Dr. Gale. Imagine what life would be
like if you could not provide for your family (you are broke because
every cent goes to defending yourself and lawyers.) unable to play with
your small children and spend time with your wife (because all of your
time is consumed with defending yourself.) Spend time rebuilding and
perfecting your business, or simply having a cup of coffee and reading
the daily paper.
Thank you for your time and
consideration. Please contact me if you like.
Chris Himmelspach LPN