This scholarship aims to address Central Valley’s physician shortage | Opinion

Combating physician shortage

“I have seen the Central Valley’s dangerous physician shortage first-hand | Opinion,” (modbee.com, June 20)

This piece from Sparsh Malhotra about the shortage of primary care doctors in the Central Valley is very strong — and very painful. The physician shortage affects us all when we most need them. Primary care doctors keep us healthy and prevent diseases and chronic problems from becoming serious and sometimes fatal.

The San Joaquin Valley Medical Scholarship Foundation is helping to solve the problem by addressing one of the reasons why doctors leave the Central Valley. Average medical tuition debt can be about as much as a home mortgage ($247,000).

Our scholarship grants $55,000 per year for four years to primary care doctors in training who commit to work in an underserved area for four years and work as a primary care doctor in the Central San Joaquin Valley once they graduate from their specialty training.

Sergio D. Ilic, MD

President, San Joaquin Valley Medical Scholarship Foundation

Drive safely during holiday weekend

“Suspected DUI crash into Modesto house leaves one dead (Video),” (modbee.com, June 9)

As we approach America’s 250th birthday on July 4, many of us are preparing to celebrate our nation’s history at events. These celebrations serve as a vital reminder that our collective freedom depends on public safety and responsible driving.

This issue is personal to me. In 1992, at the age of 16, my life changed when I was hit by a drunk driver. Driving laws exist to protect our shared freedoms, yet DUI rates remain a serious concern.

Sober driving protects everyone. No celebration is worth the risk of ending up in jail or the hospital — or worse.

If you see someone driving erratically, please notify law enforcement immediately. By following the law and looking out for one another, we stay true to the values of the country we call home.

Lori Martin

Tracy

Spay and neuter programs

“Stanislaus County has a crisis: Underfunded animal shelter needs help | Opinion,” (modbee.com, June 28)

Stanislaus County animal control facilities continue to euthanize healthy, adoptable animals due to overcrowding and overpopulation. The numbers are heartbreaking — and preventable.

The solution is simple and proven: low-cost or no-cost spay and neuter programs. When local governments, nonprofits, businesses and residents collaborate to fund accessible services, euthanasia rates drop dramatically — often to near zero. Successful communities across the country have shown this approach works through targeted spay/neuter clinics, trap-neuter-return for cats and public education.

Stanislaus already has dedicated animal welfare organizations and volunteers ready to expand these efforts. What’s needed now is sustained funding and strong leadership.

Gregory Kyler

Sonora

Newsom opposes tax

“Gavin Newsom trapped between Democrats, billionaires over tax ballot fight | Opinion,” (modbee.com, June 23)

Why does Gov. Gavin Newsom oppose the billionaire tax? Is he seeking favor with the billionaires who might donate to his next political campaign?

We need leaders “of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Curtis Panasuk

Sacramento

A debt owed

“1944 Newsreel film recaps D-Day invasion (Video),” (modbee.com, June 5, 2019)

My husband, Ron, and I recently had the profound privilege of visiting Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in Normandy. We visited on the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

Like so many Americans, we grew up seeing historic photographs, watching documentary footage and reading textbook accounts of June 6, 1944. We thought we understood what happened there but quickly realized that no amount of preparation can prepare your heart for the wave of emotions that overtakes you when standing on the beaches and looking at the American cemetery.

We had the unexpected honor of meeting two veterans of the invasion. They are elderly and use wheelchairs but have pride for the service they rendered to our country and to the world. At the time of the invasion, these men were just boys, yet they possessed clarity and understood what was at stake, and they willingly stepped into battle.

As I reflect on our journey, I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of what these soldiers gave up for us. It has made me realize that a casual “thank you for your service” is not enough. We owe them a debt that can never be fully repaid, but we can ensure that we never forget their sacrifices.

Debra McCartney

El Dorado Hills