COMMENTARY: Yes, I'll help pack Dr. Hedberg's bags...

So Oklahoma surgeon Dr. Peter S. Hedberg is upset.

Real, real upset.

So upset, it seems, that he wrote a letter to members of the Oklahoma Legislature.

Doctor Hedberg is frosted because some state lawmakers voted against a bill which conservatives say would curb malpractice insurance rates.

He’s also mad at Governor Henry for vetoing the same bill.

And now, he’s gone on record saying that he will not treat legislators “who voted against a bill.”

In fact, the good (and I use that term loosely) doctor suggested that lawmakers who voted against the bill go to Texas for surgical procedures.

Doctor Hedberg also said he would no longer serve as Doctor of the Day for the Legislature.

“This might give them a sense of what it is like not to have easy access to care,” he said in a story from the Associated Press.

Amazing.

I guess that point of being a doctor — that helping the sick thing — got lost somewhere in the shuffle.

And I guess Dr. Hedberg is a one-issue doctor.

For example:

• I’m sure he didn’t whine about the millions in tax dollars which were used to help fund the University of Arizona medical school, where he got his degree.

• And I don’t believe I remember him raising hell about the ever increasing federal Medicaid tax that he, as a member of the medical community, is often paid from.

• He’s not bitched or moaned about state taxes which provide him roads, police protection, and even clean water.
• He’s not said anything about our poverty rate.

• Nor has he mentioned the thousands of Oklahoma children who don’t have access to quality health care.
No, it’s all about him.

Somehow this physician — who can afford to make gifts from between $10,000 to $25,000 to the American College of Surgeons — has it in his head we’re supposed to be concerned if he doesn’t make several hundred thousands of dollars each year.

Like many involved in the political process our Dr. Hedberg seems to think demonizing a single group will encourage the rest of us to act.

He’s wrong.

Dr. Hedberg’s little tantrum is pathetic.

“I could move to Texas very easily,” he told the AP. “They are building a nice new hospital across the river. I could commute.” He was referring to a hospital in Denison, Texas, about 20 miles south of Durant.

Then, go, Doctor, go.

Pack your bags, fill the car up with $3 gas and hit the road.

Threatening not to treat people and encouraging other doctors to withhold medical care shows the rest of Oklahoma just what a selfish, uncaring physician you truly are.

In fact, Dr. Hedberg set his sites on state Senator Jay Paul Gumm, a Democrat from Durant.

Now, in the past, I’ve scolded Senator Gumm in print for his tax policy. And often, I don’t agree with him on his votes.
But he didn’t deserve this.

If Dr. Hedberg wants to keep his malpractice rates low, he should focus his future tirades on the medical insurance community. Or better yet, work to make sure that all Oklahoma surgeons are well educated and trained — making the need for malpractice insurance unnecessary.

Instead, he’d rather throw a fit.

So, here’s to you, Dr. Hedberg.

Please do us a favor and move to Texas.

Oh yeah, don’t let the “leaving Oklahoma” sign hit you in the tail as you motor away, and write if you get work.

Just shut up and go.