More on AIDS in a Surgeon

To the Editor: In the October 17 issue, 1 Dr. Sacks reported on a study of patients of a surgeon who died of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). He stated, "This study of 400 persons found no evidence that transmission of AIDS to patients had occurred and nothing to suggest that the surgeon should not have been practicing." The data presented do not support this conclusion. Dr. Sacks relied solely on a passive surveillance system limited to the state of Florida to make a bold claim that affects the innocent lives of trusting patients. Any failure of the Florida case-reporting system . . . No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.