April 19, 2000

As the webmaster of the Podiatry Students Forum I have been aware of the Dr. Brian Gale case for several months. The goal of my forum is to provide objectivity and unbiased viewpoints so visitors can make up their own minds. I must admit that it has been most difficult to remain silent on this matter.

The efforts of Dr. Brian Gale and his strongest supporter Dr. Richard Willner have convinced me wholeheartedly to back his cause because the precedent set by this case will effect the environment in which all podiatrists will practice. Dr. Gale has gone public with the injustices against him and is getting noticed by individuals who I believe will eventually help remedy the matter. Dr. Gale has been successful in publicizing his case through the power of the internet. I applaud him for having the courage to come forward and inform all of us of the injustices he has endured.

Some facts that helped sway my opinion are as follows:

• ND Senator Andrist's stating "there is something fundamentally wrong when a small board of practicing professionals is empowered to decide who should or should not be allowed to go into competition with them."
• "I feel that the Board's decision is wrong and its decision is based upon improper influence and improper consideration by the Board, and upon the Board's desire to put me out of business and ruin my career," Gale said in a court document printed in the Bismarck Tribune.
• The ND State Podiatry Board ignored the fact that complaints filed against Dr. Gale are coming from the patients of competing podiatrists who "encouraged patients to do so" as stated in the Bismarck Tribune.
• It seems possible that the ND State Podiatry Board will be dismantled and swallowed up by the State Medical Board. This abuse of power has left a dark shadow on the profession as DPMs are viewed as being incapable of policing themselves.