From: Andrew Rice, DPM Subj: Brian Gale, DPM I have known Brian Gale for over 20 years. I have known Brian since orientation to Podiatry School at PCPM. Brian and I studied together and shared an apartment for our 2 final years at PCPM. Brian was academically strong, was a student leader of his class for 4 years, graduated high in our class. Brian went on to one the most prestigious residency programs in our profession. Completed 4 years of postgraduate training. He trained with the leaders in our profession. After a short period of time at Kaiser he moved to North Dakota. Brian moved to North Dakota for the opportunity to join a popular practice, utilize his skills in complicated foot and ankle reconstruction. Those same skills he perfected in his exhaustive training in Philadelphia. After 1 year with this practice, Brian decided to leave and begin his own practice. Brian opened his doors cold and within 1 year had built a following of devoted patients, and referrals. Brian came under great pressure from his former associate from the time he left his office. And not to my surprise jealousy and envy with this past associate has escalated to the level we have witnessed today. Brian's credibility and compassion for his patients is supreme. He has maintained a highest degree of credibility among his colleagues throughout the country. I fully support Brian's case and am angered by the manner in which he is now being treated. Andrew H. Rice, DPM, FACFAS Chief, Section of Podiatry, Norwalk Hospital arice@medsolve.com www.medsolve.com Norwalk, Connecticut