It's time to step up for our veterans

Whatever side you take on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fact remains that too often the service and sacrifice of our military men and women get lost in the noise of debate about such issues as staying or going, more troops to deploy, or more money for resources.

Remarkable advances in military medicine have meant fewer battlefield deaths, thankfully. But with the nature of today's weapons, more soldiers survive with serious wounds and impairments.

As good as military health care has been over the years, recent revelations have pointed out serious inadequacies in how our returning veterans are being cared for by the available military and Veterans Administration facilities.    

The Massachusetts Medical Society recently passed a resolution in support of quality medical care for those personnel wounded in these wars and will urge the American Medical Association to do the same.   

It's time for civilian hospitals and health care professionals to step up and help. Yes, physicians, hospitals, clinics, and allied health care workers are under stress with the day-to-day care of our citizens. But can we ignore the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform have made on our behalf? Do we not have a professional, moral, and ethical obligation to help in the treatment and rehabilitation of these brave men and women?

I certainly think so.

Hospitals and clinics could provide beds and outpatient care, and physicians could offer necessary medical expertise and advocacy, all to help ensure these heroic men and women are provided with the treatment they require and deserve.

Other health care providers - such as physical therapists and mental health professionals - can assist in rehabilitation and ancillary efforts. Whether such services are reimbursed from the government or performed voluntarily is not of paramount concern.

What matters most is helping our veterans. Let each of us ask ourselves, what can we do to help?

Let's show that we do care, that we are not aloof, that we do recognize the sacrifices of these men and women, that we are ready, able, and willing to help them in their time of need. Let's join together with all involved on a state and national level in this noble, humanitarian effort.

Hubert I. Caplan, M.D.
Internist and Rheumatologist
Newton, Mass.