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Site Start date 6/4/2003
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================================================== From: Mary Kay Rybiski Date: 05 May 2004 I am thrilled to hear you were exonerated! I don't watch TV much but I hope the media devoted as much time reporting your acquittal as they did trying to help the prosecution. Somehow, I think not. God is walking with you in this journey. The prayers of all of us who care about you, personally and professionally, continue to go to Him for you as you rebuild your life. I hope you feel lifted by them. Although I will only be living in Texas one more year, I stand ready to make an appointment the minute you reopen your practice. There are plenty of doctors in Ohio but I am sure none like you, and we need to come up with a treatment plan for my migraines that will see me through the next 30 years or so! God bless you! I hope you feel joy again. Mary Kay Rybiski ================================================== From: WILLIAM HARDENBURG Date: 01 May 2004 AUSTIN AND CENTRAL TEXAS NEEDS YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW. WHEN YOU TREAT THE PERSON AS WELL AS THE PROBLEM YOU ARE DOING A JOB THAT MOST M.D'S DON'T CARE ABOUT. THANK YOU FOR GIVING MY LIFE BACK TO NOT ONLY ME BUT MY WIFE AS WELL. WE LOVE YOU MR & MRS WILLIAM D HARDENBURG ================================================== This letter is written in support of Dr. Philip Leonard. My parents and I urge you to allow Dr. Leonard to retain his medical license and resume practicing medicine. I have known Dr. Leonard since 1988. Our young children carpooled to preschool and played together. I entrusted my son to his care without reservation. As an attorney practicing personal injury law, I often referred clients to Dr. Leonard, including attractive single women. Some of these patients did not disclose they were referred by me. Without exception, both the women and the men I referred delivered glowing reports regarding his competence and professionalism. Not one reported any misconduct or negative incident. He always delivered quality care to the patients I referred him. Being compassionate, he accepted patients that could not afford treatment otherwise and that other doctors refused to assist. He uniformly delivered excellent care to all, regardless of ability to pay. Several patients I referred to him had been treated unsuccessfully by other doctors for years, but were treated successfully by him. Morris Smith is one such patient. Dr. Leonard was one of my treating physicians after I was injured in an automobile accident in 1994. A single woman myself, I have often been with Dr. Leonard in social settings and as his patient. My opinion of him could not be higher. He always delivered excellent care to me as a physician; he has always been a gentleman socially and professionally. My parents Aaron and Zipporah Bar©Adon, join me in supporting Dr. Leonard. They have known Dr. Leonard since the 1970's. My father, Professor Aaron Bar-Adon, has been his patient for many years. We find the charges against him ludicrous and outrageous. We know him to be a caring, competent, ethical doctor and human being. As an attorney, I have been approached by litigious prospective clients at times who were looking for a "deep pocket" to sue for financial gain or had emotional problems that led them to fabricate claims or misconstrue situations. I turned these cases down, but other attorneys often took them. These included wrongful medical malpractice cases. Some prospective clients, after hearing of a case, tried to cash in by making similar, wrongful allegations. Unfortunately, they could count on a natural desire to err on the side of caution and on a presumption of guilt once an accusation was made. I would be glad to testify on Dr. Leonard's behalf. Dr. Leonard's patients, including my father, are distraught that he is not practicing medicine. These patients are unable to find his level of quality care elsewhere. We urge the courts and any medical review board to clear Dr. Leonard's name and return him to practice for the good of his patients and the community. Sincerely, Rama Bar-Adon (and parents) ================================================== Dr. Leonard has been my neurologist since roughly 1998. I suffered a work related head injury, and Dr Leonard was, and I believe still is, the only Neurologist in the Austin area to treat a workmans comp case. I was turned away from other neurologists for months before finding Dr. Leonard. He was the only Doctor who took my condition seriously. I am very grateful for his concern. If it weren't for Dr. Leonard I truly don't know what my life would be like now. A head injury is very scary, and when know one believes you have a problem because you don't "look ill" takes its toll. I know how it feels to be accused of something that isn't true. Dr. Leonard validated that I indeed have post concussion syndrome. He sent me to cognitive therapy to restore skills. To this day I am still on medication in order to maintain an active lifestyle. I am in fear of loosing him as a Doctor, as my workman comp benefits will be taken away, and there is no one else willing to take my case. I need the medication prescribed. It is a shame to see someone truly concerned w/ his atients and profession be striped of his life's work. I hope none of the charges against him are true, he has never inappropriately touched me in all these years. Please take into consideration the many lives that are being affected by these claims. It does not only affect Dr. Leonard. Many people are suffering because of false claims. I am very fearful what will happen to me once my prescription runs out. I can only imagine the fear Dr. Leonard must live with. Sincerely, Julie Ferri ================================================== From:Lorraine Martinez, DO Date Dec 30, 2003 Hello Philip: I am an OB/GYN physician. I have been practicing OB/GYN for 18 yrs, I just want you to know that I know what you're going through, and that's enough for me to believe in your innocence. I, too, am a member of a racial/ethnic/social minority group in the community. I, too, am the only private physician in my community to provide care to medicaid/indigent patients, TriCare pts., as well as privately insured pts, Hang in, there- "non illegitimati carborundum"! The Evil Empire is not used to having the likes of us fight back. I truly believe that we will eventually see justice done. >Stay healthy, Philip, and do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to assist you in your struggle. A Fellow Member of the Resistance, Lorraine Martinez, DO, FACOOG ================================================== From:Jean Friday Date: 05 Dec 2003 I have been a patient of Dr. Leonard since 1999. During that time, he has always been very professional, sensitive to my concerns, and helpful in diagnosing and treating my medical problem. I certainly hope that Dr. Leonard will be exonerated of these charges, and that his suspension will be lifted so that he can return to practice. ================================================== Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2003 19:10:22 EST From ILYA ROSENBERG - NASA ENGINEER, invited to US "in the AMERICAN INTEREST" This letter is in support of Dr. Philip Leonard's license to practice medicine in Texas and, indeed, in restoration of his dignity and livelihood. A few words about myself and how Dr. Leonard affected my life and the life of my family. The saying "you don't have to be a rocket scientist" is not about me, as I am an electrical engineer, working with NASA on the International Space Station Communication with the astronauts performing the space walk. I am a naturalized US citizen, who, shortly after the Exxon Valdez disaster more than 13 years ago came to the US as a postdoctoral fellow at the invitation of the University of Texas. The project was on development of a safe technology to eliminate oil slicks in the ocean. Shortly after my arrival to the US, I got acquainted with Dr. Leonard, who was a major benefactor of the Jewish Resettlement Program, donating tremendous amount of funds, and, even more valuable his time. The doors of his house were always open for those who needed his support and advice, and there were many of us at the time. Very shortly our families became very close and Philip and I struck a friendship, which lasts to this day. Now I need to mention here that, at the time of my arrival, I had been stricken by a stomach ulcer and suffered immensely from abdominal pain. When we lived in the former Soviet Union we used to idealize everything American, health care included. I was no exception, and, to my surprise, the smiling and attentive American doctors here were just as powerless to help me with my ulcer, as were their stern Russian counterparts. Once I casually shared my concern with Philip, as I knew that he was a neurologist and definitely wouldn't be able to do anything about it. In this country many doctors are highly specialized and wouldnít even touch anything that is not their narrow specialty. Philip to ok my grumbling very seriously and said that he would look into this matter. Further events proved that there are true masters in every trade. A few months had passed and I had forgotten about that conversation, when suddenly I got a call from Philip. Very excited, Philip told me that he had just read an article in a medical journal that many ulcers turn out to be caused by the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori and may be treated by an antibiotic. The next day I rushed to the office of my family care physician to share the news and maybe to try the new drug. After Philip FAXed her the article, she reluctantly prescribed me an antibiotic, and, voila! In two weeks my peptic ulcer was cured. It has been more 10 years that I walk ulcer-free. On another occasion Philip diagnosed my drastic weight loss being a result of Graves disease, rather than cancer, as suspected by others. Many times at different meetings and parties I witnessed how his truly encyclopedic knowledge of languages, history, and geography from ancient times to modern days, combined with deep understanding of foreign roots and customs, never ceases to amaze the audience. He immediately becomes a center of discussion, feeling equally comfortable in a company of university professors as well as Russian cosmonauts. His outstanding professional qualities aside, it is Philip's moral and ethics of the highest probe that to me have always been a source of admiration and, I have to reluctantly admit, at times, even envy. I was raised in a highly professional, motivated and competitive environment, whereas Philip was brought up in a simple Texas family on the border with Mexico. Yet, somehow, in our friendship with Philip, it is always me who is trying to reach to his level, not the other way around. I do not want to discuss the allegations against Dr. Leonard here. Everybody who knows him would dismiss those as outright slander, as fraudulent charges, filed in attempt to rip off the monetary reward. Spending the first 30 years of my life in the Soviet Union, where telling a wrong joke in a company followed by a subsequent KGB report could ruin your life, I am a true believer in the American justice system. I believe it shall not and will not topple people like Dr. Leonard. We, the people, cannot allow this to happen. In conclusion, I anticipate Dr. Leonard's medical knowledge and intellectual capability to be further beneficial to medical science and, not less important, to the community he lives in. ================================================== From: "Tina Lancaster" Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:26:11 -0800 Dear Dr. Leonard: Hope you are well, I responded to your request for some "history" on your great and compassionate care. As you have probably surmised, I had not responded due to the severe angry feelings I have had seeing what the Tex.Med. Board did to you. I thought I was past the feelings, but was quite visibly not. The E-Mail was too long, but there was much to say...hopefully your patients will read it in it's entirety and make them feel a little better about having another strong supporter. Please let me know if it was sent-received...I am not too handy with E-Mails...I can read them just fine and " reply to sender" after that, things are not yet learned on this equipment. I pray for the best for you, you are one swell Doctor ! The community of patients that I referred to need you...there will always be a place for your care of the ill, inferred, "throw-a-ways" from other Physicians as well as the indigent ! You do not see anything save and accept a "need and pain". Let me hear from you via E-Mail is fine...much respect and the best go to you ! Tina.........My E-Mail...the long one was signed : " TTL " if you got this "E" and if appropriate...feel free to forward to all board members and review committees...also, I stand ready to come to court for you ! ================================================== From: Tina Lancaster To: www.@peerreview.org Date: Thursday, November 20, 2003 6:18 PM Subject: Philip J. Leonard, MD- My Story To Whom It May Concern: I have been a patient of Dr. Leonard and must come out today and review what has transpired both with DR. Leonard as well as his practice, patients, and my health. DR. Leonard Started being my "Main treating Physician" some 8 to 10 years ago. He has seen me through a bi-lateral mastectomy for invasive carcinoma, ( I must say missed by a well known clinic and the radiology department-of whom took actions to no longer employ the radiologist)...did I bring suit against them...NO ! This radiologist knew that he was covering up what had been there for some years...I went in the removal of "a small lump that had been bothering me for some 4 years" and two weeks later had no breasts...there have been other medical malpractice's that the local community have just "elected" to look the other way...but we now have DR. Phil Leonard who is in "solo" practice. He works very hard, sees untold patients per day, and I have been in his waiting room with many other very humble patients waiting for our time to see this kind Physician. Let's look at what was said at his hearing in which I was an attendee... 1st. Ladies, how many times have we "nudged" our husbands that their "fly " was open, how many times have we been caught with the top button of our blouse un-done with the seat belt of our cars, how many of our Professors, teachers, dentists, store clerks, oral hygienists, have had unfortunate clothing problems... 2nd How many dental visits have you had that leaned on your chest, elbow on your breasts to work on your back teeth, or worse still drill and maneuver the dental floss, ...or had the dentist "straddle" you to do an oral surgical procedure... 3rd How many of you out there have had your eyes checked...the lights turned out...the eye doctor sits on a rolling stool and rolls himself or herself right up between your legs or straddles them while "nose to nose his or her breath right on your face...just to peer into your eyes...did this eye doctor take two seconds more than they should have, did they have an assistant there, a "baby sitter...Doctor Sitter..no just no ! ... BUT YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF ...NO !! 4TH Ladies, how often do you have your check ups with your OB-GYN ? Is a nurse ALWAYS present...not always...you know that, they may be there for the pap-smear, but not always for the breast exam, the doctor "turns on that little light" when he or she is ready for "the pap" 5th How many of you out there small ladies or large ladies small men or large men are aware of the blood pressure technique...how many of you ladies have had a male or female doctor grab your wrist, tuck your hand and forearm under his arm pit and begins to "wrap the blood pressure cuff around your own upper arm...this happens all the time...in hospitals, for check ups, every where, all the time...what is all the fuss about. NOW Those of you at the hearing, there existed the most sickening and act of exposure right in front of me THE GALLEY and poor Doctor Leonard...the court reporter wore a very short dress...she had on white panties, as the court reporting machine was placed not at her side and with "lady like sitting" SHOULD have been turned with her side to the "galley"...no! She did not even so much as place her machine to the side of her knees which would have been more comfortable for those of us sitting in front of this "view"...she was a little heavy, her skirt riding high on her thighs, and the machine right up and in the middle of her legs "spread facing" Dr. Leonard and the "galley"...is this reason to bring suit for exposure...not at all...it is a job...a job that brings with it certain possible mistakes, or oversights, many around me brought my attention to this "exposure" which was very untimely for Dr. Leonard, and for the group trying to bring this hard working Doctor down...take him out of practice and, yes, take all court reporters to "Finishing School and Lady like composure", compel and make them wear long loose trousers - no dresses or skirts allowed and make sure the sippers are not plastic and that they are not over-weight....remove any eye doctor from his or her practice for turning out the lights and rolling themselves up to breath in your face "while they look deep into your eyes...or mandate that they have a "Sitter", and that goes for dentists, OB-GYN's oh... yes... and the Attorney, on the other side, who kept his hands under his jacket or suit coat rubbing his crotch, then worked his fingers up to smell them, then to methodically rub his lips only to repeat this process over and over through-out his calling Dr. Leonard a pervert...there was only one mischaracterization going on here and that was in sight of all of this hearing, there was "over sight on the part of this panel and it was on your side of the dias! One big mistake in judgment, in mishandling of anyone's respectful care, and composure for the galley...that mishandling was done TO Dr. Leonard. Review your film of the proceedings...you will see that I am correct in my "over-view of room"...oh yes,...to the Hispanic doctor on the board...my grandmother used language such as you called "reason for removal from the medical field", and I loved my "Wellita"...cute and loving for "Little Loving Grandmother" ! ( I never got slapped ! I was hugged in return ! ! !) Also you will note on your visit to Walgreens...there are "Band-Aides" brand and "Curaid's" ( a little one is "Curitas" (spelling not so sure) So, this said, should you call giving someone a "Band-di-tos" (as in a rough non-acceptable Bandito ?) The same language goes for both...But am sure of Curaids which is spanish for Band-Aids type tape...Johnson and Johnson doesn't have a problem with the name ! Why should you?? And by the way, yes...tell all men to take their hands out of their pockets and "stop jingling the change" in the presence of women ! and Do not smell your fingers after doing so as well ! To the Board, your arguments short, small, no depth, lawyers making money. You filled your "quota" for removing yet another doctor...do you feel better?...why were you so angry and so personal about your assumed pleasure in destruction?...why don't you take on Medicare Reform or better still fight to get Medicare Rx coverage, put your Ph D's and MD's to work! Will you see all of Dr. Leonard's patient load..."dirty your hands on the indigent" ? Can you give me back my breasts ? Your anger is misplaced... Go after the doctors that remove the wrong leg, or over look care and compassion...or worse still "have none"...leave Dr. Leonard to help the one's Doctors like you don't want to see, because we may be maimed, ugly, black, breast-less...and worse still poor...indigent...but very much in need...give us back Dr. Leonard, clean up the above..."if you can", if not., give us back our caretaker -caregiver!! There is an old saying among Attorney's "You are guilty till proven indigent" Surely there is a counter part for this in the Medical community ! Please pass this on to all levels of Dr. Philip J. Leonard, peerreview, or personally,but most especially to the "Thank you Dr. Leonard"...most assuredly... Thank you ! TTL Post script:Dr. Leonard, you were right, again !...and you were very kind to see me through yet another missed medical problem by other physicians...I had an 80% blockage in my left kidney...you kindly and respectfully helped me, you knew I was not making up my pain, you believed in me and YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH THAT MEANS TO A PATIENT WHO HAS BEEN VERY , VERY ILL ! . Thank you AGAIN ! TTL ================================================== From: Irene A. Howe To: webmaster@peerreview.org Subject: Dr. Phillip Leonard Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 07:30:27 -0600 My name is Irene A. Howe. I have been a patient of Dr. Leonard since I had a brain tumor removed in June of 1994. Because of his personal dedication and professional knowledge, he was finally able to almost stop all seizure activity that resulted from the removal of the brain tumor, and I have thankfully regained a normal life. To illustrate what I mean by "dedicated", Dr. Leonard allowed me to come in the office at any time my seizures affected me so he could continue to monitor my progress to recovery. I can't count the number of medications he tried to finally obtain a balance. When available, he always gave me samples before I had to fill a prescription. He would always call after each medication change to ensure I didn't have and side effects, often after normal office hours. He encouraged me, and my husband as well, to call in him at any time to discuss my progress and any side effects the medications had upon me. I have never received or experienced more professional care or dedicated service from any another physician I've ever met. I have read the allegations made against Dr. Leonard and find them totally unbelievable!!! First, I am totally appalled at a system that would deny an individual to be able to practice based upon unproven allegations. Two, if a few patients felt they had been treated improperly, why in the world did they continue to come back? Makes me pretty suspicious!!! I stopped touching the stove after the FIRST time I got burned!!! Third, how long can these unproven allegations be allowed to literally destroy him financially, while his delighted patients are denied service??? Please take whatever action is necessary to ensure this matter is properly settled, so Dr. Leonard can return to the practice he loves, and support the patients he cares so much about. I sincerely hope this matter is brought to closure very soon. I remain available to share to anyone my experiences with Dr. Leonard,and if it will help closure, don't hesitate to call me, publish my remarks, or ask me to testify on Dr. Leonard's behalf. ================================================== From: NANCY LYNN ROGERS MD Date: 23 Nov 2003 Please keep your faith. It is a recurring theme that the kindest and most sincere among us are the most persecuted. A physician who has spent his entire lifetime dedicated to the art of healing can be destroyed in the matter of a few minutes. It is shameful that a decision to prevent you from practicing medicine would be made based solely on accusations without due process. This is a very painful ordeal for you. Do not give up hope. This painful and unjust ordeal will make your compassion for those that are stricken by debilitating and devastating illness stronger. YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR PATIENTS WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. ================================================== Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 12:04:27 EST Subject: Alice Lopez -- Patient of 17 years To: webmaster@peerreview.org Dear Dr. Leonard, You have been my Dr. for 17 years and you have never done anything but help me. You never stop until you find that pain, wherever it is at, and fix the problem.... and if you can't you find someone who can. You are one of the most caring doctors I have ever been to. I have been to your office when I could barely move and you didn't turn me down even if I didn't have an appointment.Lots of people wish or imagine something would happen in their minds when it doesn't and when it doesn't they get upset and start up a lot of lies. I sit or lay just thinking why people could ruin a good Doctors name and family and his practice after all he and his family have been through so he could become who he is. These people or persons can't imagine how they are not only hurting you but your patients. Yes, I've been to other doctors since you've been away to get meds here and there to get some relief, but they won't give me my shots or feel my back or legs or wrist to see where the pain is. If these people knew what they are doing to people like me, besides your other patients, they would stop this nonsense. These people need to stop this craziness and send you back to us ASAP. You always know what injections what medicines I needed and was on. You didn't need me to tell you. These other doctors say just take your meds Alice. Do they want me to turn into a junky? I need YOU. I need a good doctor, a caring doctor. Its hard to trust any doctor. The other day, I went into the ER and I'm more sore now my sugar shot up to almost 700. Some Doctors don't care about my back or legs or the rest of me. It's been almost a week and I can barely walk. I don't want to be paralyzed. That's what 's going to happen if they don't let you come back. When are they going to get all the experience you've got with this crazy body of mine. How are these doctors going to understand when its hurricane season or when it gets cold or all the humid weather comes.... why I need my injections.... why you have to change my meds. They don't know about all my spasms... how painful they are or when there is a tornado how I get worse they don't know how my nerves bunch up, why I can't move or what to do for me. Only you with all your experience know my body's nerves and spasms and pain. It doesn't matter if you have to touch from the top of my neck to my whole body so you can find my pain so I can get better wherever the pain is you always find it and fix it. Since you've been gone, sometimes I can't get up because the pain is getting worse. It's these peoples' fault I'm getting worse. Do you know I have a wheel chair now, because you're not here to take care of me. These people don't know or care what they are doing to your patients. But I do because I'm one of them. Remember how I used to walk with my granddaughter at the football field? Now I can't! Remember how I used to walk to Mrs. Edna, my 99 years old neighbor or Alice 64 or 74 year old neighbor? Well, I still can walk to Alice but not to Mrs. Edna and I'm only 52 years old. Why are these people doing this to me? I don't want to ride in my wheelchair but I have to now. Crissy has to go to the store with me in case I fall or I have to send Robert my friend. I tell the doctor about all the popping going on with my body. They say all bones pop, Yes, I agree... but a pop is a pop! The pops in my body are making it worse! Maybe, I need to go to legal aid and have them judge for all the pain and stress they are putting me through. Because they won't let you come back and do your job which is taking care of people like me who really need you. I don't have any money but someone has got to listen to my plea. Dr. Leonard, why do these people want not just you but your patients to suffer? After all those years you study so you could be the doctor you are to get your practice pay those high insurance so someone could come along with this and take you away from us they must have a mental problem or a lot of hate for someone else's mistake -- not you. We shouldn't have to suffer for someone else's stupidity. You are more than a doctor you are a friend, and a mentor. We have always been able to count on you. They don't always feel the pain. I don't want to go to the nursing home. I want to be the old me. My Crissy is 14 years old and she has to finish school and be someone like you. You're the best, Dr. Leonard! You're not in it for the money. You've been with me through Texas Rehabilitation still until now Medicaid and care . Lots of doctors don't take people like me who don't have money but you have always stood by my side even on your day off you've seen to me. Who are they to play God and judge you and your patients why just tell me why we should suffer for someone who must accuse you and made a mistake and is too ashamed to admit it ... or they are after a fast dollar. We need you back, Dr. Leonard. Tell them! Make them listen! We have the best ...and years with you and one can tell a lie but not everyone can be a good Doctor like you. Tell the people who are playing God to put those people in a cracker jack box and send back to sender and them to send you back to me and your patients! Alice Lopez ================================================== Dear Dr. Leonard, My name is Roberto Solis. I'm the man that takes Alice L to see you. Since you have been gone, Alice is getting worse. She used to do real good when you were her doctor. You always had a way to make her feel better. She'd tell me you were like a big brother to her... not just a doctor. You took time to find all her aches and pains. You always changed her medicine to find her one that made her feel better. You always took time to ask about her life, not just her pain and find the points where the pain was the worst, to give her shots where she needed them, where she would get more relief. She and I and you know her pain and the doctor she has now doesn't know of her past. She has told him you've been her doctor since 1986. You know Alice has been to a lot of doctors and she says you're the only one who cares about his patients. She has always been on some kind of assistance or help, so if you were just after the money you weren't getting it from her because she doesn't have any! Just think of all the people like Alice who need a good doctor in your field and now have to do without you. It's not fair! People have to suffer because of someone trying to get a fast dollar! Or whatever, to ruin a good man's name andjob. Alice and I are sure more people need you. I hope this helps you because Alice needs you! It takes years for some people to know a doctor and Alice said you have never disrespected her or her friends or family. Whoever these persons who said what she did made you an injustice not just to you but to your patients who need you. Hurry back please! Roberto C. Solis 10/8/03 ================================================== From:Amy Samet Date:05 Nov 2003 Dr. Leonard has always taken a genuine interest in my husband Lawrence's case. It is a case Dr. Leonard has been involved with for over 15 years with unwavering professionalism, patience and dedication. At every appointment, Dr. Leonard takes the time to be clear about every medical detail, as well as showing evidence of being a caring, compassionate, and thoughtful man. It has been a tragic loss to us to be without the insight and support we count on for so long from Dr. Leonard. ================================================== TO AN AWESOME DOCTOR-PLEASE DON'T TAKE HIM AWAY FROM US! From: NANCY YARBROUGH Date: 08 Oct 2003 DR.PHILLIP LEONARD IS TRULY AN AWESOME DOCTOR- AND PLEASE DON'T TAKE HIM AWAY FROM US -WHO NEED HIM SO MUCH. THE PAST MONTHS WITHOUT HIM HAVE BEEN VERY DIFFICULT- IT IS NOT A GOOD FEELING WHEN YOU FINALLY FIND A GREAT DOCTOR YOU CAN TRUST AND BELIEVE IN- AND THEN HE IS TAKEN AWAY FOR SUCH UNNESSARY REASONS- I JUST KNOW I NEED HIM AS MY DOCTOR AGAIN. I HAVE WRITTEN ONE LETTER ALREADY IN HIS BEHALF A FEW MONTHS BACK WHEN ALL THIS NONSENSE STARTED- BUT AS THE MONTHS HAVE PASTED- IT HAS BEEN REALLY A DIFFICULT TIME FOR ME AS A PATIENT WITH M.S.- I MISS HAVING A DOCTOR TO TRUST AND ONE WHO REALLY CARES AND UNDERSTANDS MY PROBLEMS- I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO MISSES HAVING THE CONFIDENCE OF A PROFESSIONAL DOCTOR AS GOOD AS DR.LENORD. PLEASE CONSIDER HOW MUCH HE HELPS US IN NEED AND LET HIM GET ON WITH HIS LIFE AND LET HIM DO WHAT HE DOES BEST "HELPING US IN NEED" BEST OF LUCK DR.LENORD AND GOD BLESS YOU! AND THANKS FOR AALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME! SINCERLY, NANCY YARBROUGH ================================================== From: Sandra Strube, nurse and mother Date: 21 Sep 2003 I HAVE KNOWN DR.LEONARD NOW FOR APPROX. 20 YEARS, HE HAS BEEN TREATING MY DAUGHTER SINCE SHE WAS 18 MONTHS OLD.IN ALL THIS TIME I HAVE NEVER FOUND HIM TO BE ANYTHING BUT A PROFESSIONAL. I WONDER DID YOU THINK WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO ALL OF US THAT NEED DR. LEONARD, DO YOU CARE? HOW HARD ITS BEEN TO GET OUR MEDS REFILLED WITHOUT A DOCTOR! WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO TELL MY DAUGHTER WHEN SHE HAS A SEIZURE, SORRY BABY, BUT NO ONE TAKES MEDICAID AND THE ONLY ONE WHO DID WAS FOUND TO BE UNFIT TO PRACTICE. HOW COULD YOU SUSPEND HIM WHEN HE HAS NEVER BEEN FOUND INNOCENT OR GUILTY OF THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM! I ASK YOU TO PLEASE RETURN DR. LEONARD TO HIS PRACTICE. I STILL TRUST HIM TO CARE FOR MY DISABLED DAUGHTER. ================================================== From: Harriet Whitman Date: 18 Sep 2003 I have known Dr. Philip Leonard since he was five years old. As a young boy he was one of the most loving children you could know, extremely bright, thoughtful, caring, helpful, and he has remained so all of his life. As the years went on, we moved to Austin. He was my physician for a number of years and when I moved to Houston, I went back to him about a year until I found a neurologist. I recommended him to many friend's for his knowledge in his field and all the other attributes. It is unbelievable to me that such accusations could be made. I was dumbfounded. I cannot believe that he has been unable to help his patients. They are the ones being punished. They need him. So please give him his license for the patients and for him. Harriet Whitman ================================================== From:Lawrence C. Cummings, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret)Date: 18 Sep 2003 Dear Members of the Board: I am a patient of Dr. Philip J. Leonard and believe that you have made a mistake in judgment by suspending his license to practice his medical profession because his patients need him. This was evident on the day of his hearing because more than a hundred of Dr. Leonard's patients and/or Professional Associates wanted to testify on his behalf but were denied and instead were given an affidavit to fill out and sign. What kind of justice is this procedure? We were given just enough time to fill out the form and sign it, without any swearing in to affirm to both the contents and signature being true. The professional people, associates and patients that were at the hearing had to listen to the hearsay evidence from the people speaking for the accusers, who were absent from the hearing even after being sent a subpoena to appear. We were all in shock. Some of us were familiar with the accusers by seeing them in Dr. Leonard's office, and smelling the odor of alcohol. we know the reputation of many of the accusers, and so did the hearing official, because they are a matter of Public Record and Medical Records available to the Board. The Board should have made them testify under oath, during the so-called "Hearing". By now you know what I thought of the manner in which the so-called hearing was conducted. You have heard the expression "Bring the guilty person in and let's hang him, or her." Well, that is the way this "Judge Roy Bean" hearing appeared to be conducted. I have listened to many hearings and recognize/know when one has not been conducted in accordance with the generally accepted Rules of Order. The Hearing appeared to be political to satisfy the current trend in the local media. I was referred to Dr. Leonard after the physician I was seeing was not too effective in treating my disease. He recognized that I needed an EEG accomplished, but did not refer me to any medical facility to have one done. On my second visit Dr. Leonard immediately referred me for an EEG and started treating me for complex partial seizures. I have had only one episode of seizures after taking the medication he prescribed and that occurred because I had to take a trip to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and did not take the medicine he prescribed for a couple of days. I investigated Dr. Leonard very thoroughly by talking to his associates that are in the same field of practice, and many of his patients. They all spoke very highly of his excellent professional knowledge of Neurology and I agree with all of their conclusions. I have been in his office and seen patients come and go, of all colors, nationality, and social/political standing. He treats everyone with dignity and respect. I need Dr. Leonard for treatment and have not gone to any other Neurologist and neither have any of his other patients that I have talked with. They believe he is innocent of all charges by those women. Please give him back his license to practice medicine and help me and his many other patients that need him. I'll be glad to come to your office and talk about the good that you would be doing for many people if you will reinstate his license and give him back to his patients. They don't lie, nor would I, even if there is a possibility of getting money by lying. Lawrence C. Cummings, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret) ================================================== Max Whitman Date: 18 Sep 2003 To Whom it May Concern: I have known Dr. Philip Leonard all of his life. When my family moved to Austin, he was our doctor for fifteen years and I have never known him to be anything but professional. He never worked in an examining room that was locked. His employees were always nearby. Considering what I have just said, I have never known him to betray the Hippocratic oath on which he makes the foundation of his life. I respectfully request that you return his license so he can continue on his career and his obedience to God. Max Whitman ================================================== Sept 14, 2003 From: Morris Smith I have been a patient of Dr Leonard for the last few years and during that time he has always been thoughtful and considerate. There are particular instances that I saw or heard about which showed his interest in the welfare of less fortunate patients. Other Doctors, patients and staff have been universally positive about his interest in patients and diligence in general. The accusations made to the medical board were not credible (I sat through most of the testimony.) and I hope that he returns to practice promptly. He has performed thousands of physical exams which require him to be in close proximity to patients. A very few patients made complaints for a variety of reasons and the vast majority were subsequently denied the care they needed by the Medical Board suspending his license. That’s in addition to the impact on his staff and himself. Best wishes, Morris Smith ================================================== Sept 9, 2003 From: Cricket Waid I'M SO SURE THAT THE CHARGES AGAINST YOU ARE FALSE THAT IT IS A DAILY PRAYER OF MINE THAT GOD ABOVE WILL HOLD YOUR HAND AND SOOTHE YOUR SOUL AT THIS VERY TRYING TIME. YOU DESERVE HIS BLESSINGS AS YOU HAVE BEEN SUCH A BLESSING TO MY SISTER AND HELPED HER WHEN NO OTHER DR. COULD. WHEN I BROUGHT MY SISTER TO YOU IT WAS WITH COMPLETE CONFIDENCE AS I HAD CHECKED AROUND TOWN AND ASKED SEVERAL DOCTORS WHO THEY WOULD TAKE THEIR SISTER TO AND YOUR NAME WAS MENTIONED MORE THAN ONCE AND EACH TIME I COULD SEE THE TOTAL RESPECT THESE PEOPLE HAD IN YOU. NOW I KNOW WHY! YOU ARE SUCH A CARING AND GIVING DR. THE CHANGE YOU MADE IN MY SISTERS LIFE HAS BEEN DRAMATIC. WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR ALL THE KIND, COURTEOUS, INSIGHTFUL, PROFESSIONAL AND YES EVEN BRILLIANT HELP. YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN EXTREMELY PROFESSIONAL YET SO KIND AND CARING. SUCH A NICE MAN! I AM HORRIFIED THAT WITH NO PROOF AT ALL THAT OUR "JUSTICE" SYSTEM CAN WALK IN AND SO COMPLETELY TAKE AWAY ALL THAT YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO ACHIEVE FOR SO MANY SICK PEOPLE. YOU HAVE SHOWN SO MUCH COMPASSION TO OTHERS THAT I CAN'T HELP BUT BELIEVE THAT IT WILL COME BACK TO YOU MANY FOLD. GOD BLESS YOU. YOU WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. THANK YOU FROM OUR HEARTS VERY BOTTOM FOR ALL THE HELP YOU HAVE BEEN. ================================================== Sept 2, 2003 From: Col. H. Dean Messer Dr. Phil treated me for approx 3 years and at no time did I ever get anything but professional attention and care. I was totally shocked at what I saw in the news and didn't believe any of it for one second. It's too bad when the lust for monetary gain can ruin a decent man of his life's ambition, to practice his trade and help others. No wonder so many physicians are getting out of business on their own, to prevent the threat of someone else driving them out. Col. H. Dean Messer ================================================== Aug 30, 2003 Dr. Philip Leonard, I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your professionalism and personal interest my well being. Without your assistance and personal attention to my individual medical and mental needs from the injuries I sustained, I would not have be able to live the quality of life for the past TEN years that I have enjoyed. I look forward to expertise and guidance in my future care and well being. Sincerely, William D. Hardenburg ================================================== August 26, 2003 To Whom It May Concern: Dr. Phillip Leonard has been my doctor for the past 10 years. I have seen him regularly during that time and on each occasion found his manner and treatment courteous, professional and appropriate. Dr. Leonard cares deeply about the medical problems of his patients and the consequent personal problems that can arise because of pain and disability. I have never observed any action on his part that would lead me to conclude otherwise. So, I am deeply troubled by these allegations of misconduct and cannot believe they are true. I know that being a good doctor is the most important thing in Dr.Leonard’s life. I hope that his license will soon be restored so that he can resume treating his patients. We need him. Yours truly, Jo Clifton Jo Clifton, Editor In Fact Daily ================================================== Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2003 Subject: Philip J. Leonard, M.D. To Whom It May Concern: We first met Dr. Philip Leonard in 1983 when my son, Michael, returned from the Houston Neurosensory Hospital. He had suffered a horrendous grand mal seizure while in that hospital and was having many different kinds of seizures as a result. Returning to Austin we made an appointment with Dr. Leonard and we found a person who was not only a fantastic doctor, but also a fine human being. Dr. Leonard treated Michael until he died in 1987. During those years Dr. Leonard never gave up trying to help control Michael's many seizures. Aside from being just Michael's neurologist he was Michael's friend. He encouraged our son to try to attend ACC, to become more independent. We will always be indebted to Dr. Leonard for his unwavering care and concern to Michael. During the time Michael was ill I developed some neurological problems and began as Dr. Leonard's patient. Twenty years later he is still my doctor and my friend. (In fact, he has treated several of our sons and my husband.) I would trust him with my life. His conduct has always been above reproach. I absolutely do not believe these allegations which have been filed against him. We need him back as our doctor! ! ! Too many people are without his kindness and his expertise in neurology. Sincerely, Kay Moore Austin, TX ================================================== Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2003 13:08:51 -0500 From: Joni Sager I have always believed that we lived in a country where you were innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case. Dr. Leonard began to be punished as soon as the media feeding frenzy started about the accusations being made against him. The continuing suspension of his license means that he is serving the most punitive sentence that the Board of Medical Examiners can hand down, despite the fact that he has not been found guilty of any crime, or even a lapse of professional judgment. The panel at the “temporary” suspension hearing that was so clearly biased against him admitted that there was no question about the quality of care that his patients receive. As one of his grateful patients, I am being punished as well by being deprived of the compassionate and superb specialist who has helped me manage a painful neurological condition that rapidly spread throughout my body in 2001. If it were not for Dr. Leonard, I doubt I would be able to walk and work today. At no time during my frequent visits to him did I consider his actions to be any way offensive. On the contrary, I found him to be extraordinarily kind when I was at the lowest point of life. He always made my comfort level his priority. Even when the pain was somewhat being held at bay and I thought that I could be stoic and live with it, he told me that that wasn’t good enough for him. He gave me strength, not only from the excellent medical care he provided, but also from the genuine interest in took in my case and how to best ameliorate my symptoms. I have been flabbergasted by the accusations that have been made. Dr Leonard was never so much as rude to me, let alone sexually abusive. Having served in the victim assistance field, I know that a sexual predator preys upon the vulnerable and the weak. I doubt that I could have been more vulnerable and weak than during some of my early office visits when this alien burning pain was taking control of my life. As the symptoms moved up my torso, he would have had the perfect excuse to take advantage of the situation and touch me inappropriately. It strains my credibility to even consider that he is a “Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde”-type character. One cannot be an angel of mercy to a patient in one consulting room, and then turn around and behave like the devil himself with a patient in the next room. Surely the problem is one of the patient’s perceptions, not of actual sexually motivated actions by Dr. Leonard. I have a further reason for believing that Dr. Leonard is the victim of some perverted misunderstanding. My mother had suffered from chronic pain for decades, pain that deprived her of restful sleep. I referred her to him, and Dr. Leonard was able to correctly diagnose and treat her condition after a number of other doctors had failed. He never touched her inappropriately either. I was appalled by the lack of decorum exhibited during the trial before Board of Medical Examiners. Even other doctors who came forward to testify on Dr. Leonard’s behalf were treated with contempt by the panel. I see no good reason that Dr. Leonard’s license could not be restored with cautionary restrictions, such as he should have an assistant in the consulting room with him during examinations (something I am sure he would insist on now anyway so he would have a witness available!). Joni Sager, Technical Writer/Editor ================================================== From: Diana Bodel and son David Olson August 22, 2003 I wish to thank DR. LEONARD for helping my son when we first came to Austin about 22 years ago. He treated my son for seizures when he was about 5 years old and later outgrew them. DR. LEONARD monitored his brain activity with the EEG's and later tapered him off the medication when he quit having them. He was a kind and caring doctor during the time he treated him. And it don't stop there, I later had problems with severe headaches and neck pain and I chose DR. LEONARD since he was so good with my son, to treat me. He gave me injections in my neck area and while he was very close to me, I never thought anything about it, since he has always been PROFESSIONAL. It wasn&'t like I was a dartboard and he was tossing darts across the room, he needed to be close to put the needle in the right location. MY BEST TO YOU DR. LEONARD AND YOUR FAMILY, I NOT ONLY CONSIDERED YOU OUR DOCTOR BUT A FRIEND AS WELL. ================================================== August 21, 2003 5:35 PM My name is David Ward,and I have been a patient of Dr. Leonard's for over 10 years. He has treated me for cluster headaches, a rare and debilitating form of headaches. The pain they cause is so severe and the onset so sudden that I was forced to sharply curtail all activities other than work, and was often unable even to work a full schedule. Given that medical science is still not certain of the cause of cluster headaches, Dr. Leonard's ability and willingness to think outside the box of "normal" headache treatment is impressive. One of the problems with these headaches is that a treatment that has been successful at one point will sometimes cease to be effective. Dr. Leonard has been able to see around the problem and find different ways to approach the problem. Not only that, Dr. Leonard continually showed concern and compassion for the problems I was having as a result of these headaches. I felt as if it was as important to him as it was to me to get relief from the pain. This man is a compassionate, caring doctor who places the welfare of his patients above all other considerations. His patients, and the Austin medical community need and deserve his rapid return to his practice. To do otherwise would be a complete miscarriage of justice and due process. David Ward Austin, TX ===================================================== Date: August 14, 2003 From: Summer D We Miss You Dr. Leonard! I am a single female, I have an 18 yr. old son with Fragile X (Genetic learning disability) he is borderline mentally impaired he has ADHD and autism. Dr. Leonard has seen my son for over 12 years. My son receives Medicaid which most doctors won't except. My son's prescription will soon expire, finding a doctor who will take Medicaid is a real hassle. My son has outbursts, and is easily agitated. Without his medication he can not leave home without anxiety attacks. I always go in the examining room with my son for his appointments. I have always been treated with respect and talked to in a friendly professional manner. I don't believe any of the allegations I have heard. I hope this is all settled soon. I feel for Dr. Leonard and his family. Having the same Doctor for so many years, is like he is an extended church family. I am sure other patients can relate to what I am saying. Levi's Mom. ================================================== DEAR MEDICAL REVIEW BOARD I thank you for the opportunity to voice our opinion of what a travesty this situation is to his patients and to the medical community if Dr.Leonard`s services were to be lost!!! I am writing this e-mail to the review board pleading for Dr.Leonards re-reinstatement due to the fact that it is unbelievable that this could have happened !!!!! I know that in my heart that the accusations are false and I believe that DR. Leonard is a very upstanding person with the highest respect for his patients and there well being and what he did for me by saving my hand was a miracle in itself and there is no doubt in my mind that this situation is only a way of some trying to gain financially and I feel terrible that this has happened to him so please let him get back to his life's work of making people well !!!!!! so as one of his patient it is my duty to stand up for his character not only as a Dr. but as a person as well !!!!!!!!!!! I was a patient and still am a patient since 1982 I do believe I can tell you that Dr. Leonard has never been or done anything inappropriate and if my mind serves me correctly due to the fact that i thought this was going to be reviewed and the board would clear him, but i don't believe that any injections were ever given in the office they were given in a whole different part of the complex and i don't recall any being administered by Dr .Leonard I believe they were administered by the nurse. SO in closing I'd like to say or plead for the board to please reinstate DR.LEONARD`s medical license so he can return as one of the best physicians I have ever had !!!! Thank-you SINCERELY: TENNA REDWINE ================================================== August 11, 2003 Dr. Philip Leonard Austin, Texas Dear Dr. Leonard: I have been asked to describe my illness and medical history for a newsletter. Included in this publication will be a list of the doctors who greatly assisted me or told me to just go home and accept my illness. You will be on my list of doctors who greatly assisted me. In this article I will publish your tenacity, as my doctor for ten years, in trying to assist me to simply function in the same manner that so many people take for granted. These same people surround us, and even judge us as to our worth in society, but have no idea the difficulty some of us face simply surviving. I can say to the entire Austin community that it is my sincere belief that I would be dead long ago if you had not helped me to live. Your willingness to step outside the rhetoric for new answers to serious medical and life threatening conditions kept me alive long enough to find solutions that now enable me to walk, think, and address my illness. I now intend to live to be 100 years old. The reason for this change in attitude is the hope you have given me over the years. It is my personal belief that this is a precious commodity which is in short supply these days, especially when there is little chance of success for many patients. I can only imagine what compliments and gratitude would come from your other patients who cannot write, e-mail, or are too sick to speak up for themselves and for you. I want you to know that other doctors have turned me away, and turn away others who are unable to pay. You, on the other hand have not. I have spoken to indigent patients leaving your office, and they felt more secure and hopeful after their visit. I have not seen this at any other doctors' office in Austin. It saddens me to know that they may now have nowhere to go. Know that I will stand by you now and forever. I am proud to call you my doctor, and consider you a true scientist and healer. Yours truly, Cat Miller ================================================== Aug 13, 2003 I have known and been a patient of Dr. Leonard for over three years. In all my dealings with him, he has always been courteous, professional, and most of all compassionate. At no time has his behavior been inappropriate. I have also never heard any comments about Dr Leonard other than exemplary. I trust him with my family. Francis Jackson ================================================== To whom it may concern: I have known Dr. Leonard since 1998 when I began seeing him for treatment of trigiminal neuralgia. This is a very painful condition and he has been remarkable at keeping this condition in check. He always conducted himself in a most professional manner during my many visits. He not only is an outstanding physician, but also a very caring physician.During numerous visits he would take phone calls, while attending to my condition. I saw this as a doctor who knew his patient's urgent needs. I realized that if I needed to have his assistance he was available for his patients.He was always there if I needed to speak with him, which is most comforting with my condition. Never during any of my visits did I detect any unprofessional acts of a sexual nature. I personally do not believe any of the charges made against him are true. I was present for the medical examiners hearing and I am still dumbfounded with the decision. This decision needs to be reversed allowing this outstanding physician to resume practice. No one will ever convince me he did the things he was accused of! Yours truly, Charlet Neidig ================================================== Joseph Maier, D.C. Chiropractic Rehabilitation August 6, 2003 To Whom It May Concern: It has been my pleasure to know personally Phil Leonardfor approximately two years now. Prior to that I knew Dr. Leonard by his excellent reputation and by his fine work. Over the last ten years or so I have read his medical reports of my patients and have repeatedly heard favorable comments from my patients who have been under his care. I have nothing but positive, high praise for Phil Leonard. I know him to be of the highest caliber of integrity and I have seen him demonstrate repeatedly forthright, tireless advocacy for his patients. I look forward to the time when I may once again refer my patients to Dr. Leonard for his medical expertise and acumen. If you have any questions, please call my office. Sincerely, Joseph Maier, D.C.,D.A.B.C.O. ================================================== Subject: Doctor Philip Leonard a great doctor August 6, 2003 Dear Peer Review Committee: Dr. Philip Leonard is a rarity in today’s day of the HMO. He is both professional and personable. For the past 3 years he has been treating me for adult ADD. During each visit I was made to feel like a patient not one of the herd at a cattle call. Dr. Leonard takes the time to get to know you and he listens to what you are saying. I have received excellent care and attention from Dr.Leonard. Recently I lost my job and was out of work for over a year. During that time Dr. Leonard increased the frequency of my visits. I did not realize it at the time why he did this. In hind site I realize he did this because I was showing signs of depression and he wanted to keep a closer eye on how I was doing. When I first learned of the allegations against Dr. Leonard I was distressed. What has been alleged in the media is not fair treatment of a good doctor. The allegations fall into the same category as “have you stopped beating your wife”. Philip Leonard is not only a doctor but also a small businessman. I have been a successful small business owner. As a business owner you work hard to perfect your craft and also work hard to develop and protect your business. Your reputation is a critical part of your success or failure. You maintain high standards of conduct for both personal and professional reasons. It is tragic that a business can be put at risk from unfounded allegations. I strongly urge those in review of this situation to let Dr. Leonard get back to practicing medicine at the high standards he has always demonstrated. I will gladly appear in person to help Dr Leonard. My comments and letter can be used or included in mailings or postings. Thank you for your time and thank you in advance for doing the right thing and letting Dr. Leonard get back to practicing medicine as soon as possible. Sincerely, Tom Dickson ================================================== Saturday, August 02, 2003 5:35 PM Subject: Support of Dr. Leonard As an ophthalmologist practicing in Austin, Texas, I have seen numerous patients over the past twenty years, who have been under his care. He is an extremely well-trained neurologist who always puts the welfare of this patients first. All of our mutual patients have indicated great respect for him and have been well-treated. Sam N. Key, III, M.D. 900 W. 38th St., Suite 340 Austin, Texas 78705 ================================================== From: anonymous female patient Date: 2 Aug 2003 An open letter to the Doctors of the Board: A thinking adult can not understand how or why the medical board made the decision to suspend the license of Dr. Leonard. It just makes no sense to believe the statements of the females who have complained regarding Dr. Leonard. The first female patient, the one who was on the various TV News shows in Austin, is simply unbelievable. If one saw the News shows and her "performance," it is self explanatory. And with dozens of TV news shows hammering Dr. Leonard and the newscasters asking female patients "to come forward", there is no question that many more will indeed, "come forward". The thinking is that there will be an easy check at the end of this. "Easy money" motivates. I saw Dr Leonard as a patient. I noticed that he was enthusiastic and passionate about me, his patient, and finding out what was wrong with me, and working to figure out the best treatments for me. I was taken aback by his level of energy as I am used to doctors being disinterested in me and frankly, burned out. INITIALLY, it reminded me of man who "came on to me", as the only men who showed this level of interest in me were "trying to score." But, soon afterwards, I realized that Dr. Leonard was genuinely excited in the challenge that my ill health presented, and with enthusiasm, energy, passion, and patience, listened to me and doctored me to excellent health. He was always a professional with me. I did notice that Dr. Leonard wore a shirt and tie in his Office. I also noticed that he had the habit of stuffing his pants pockets with all sorts of medical items. I saw him put the hammer and a bottle of lidocaine in his pants pocket. I also noticed that he had his cell phone or beeper on the hip. It would not surprise me that some of his female patients allows their imaginations to race if they felt these items on their persons. ================================================== To whom that may concern, We, under sign here Mr.& Mrs. Hong Tran, would like to send you our support to Dr. Philip Leonard. We remember, we read on Austin Statesman dated December 16, 2002 about a sad news: "Two separate warrants have been issued for the arrest of Philip Leonard ..." because "Two female patients accuse him of assault and public lewdness." For us, it's unbelievable. And that's scary too. As his patients, since 1998 we know him. He is a very good guy, a very intelligent man and a very professional doctor. So at that time, we were absolutely confident that his good name will be cleared. Unfortunately, now he has been suspended by the Texas Medical Board. Please, allow our best Specialist Doctor to get back to practicing. We really need him so much. Mr.& Mrs. Hong Tran Austin TX ================================================== From: Michelle Ojeda Date: 28 Jul 2003 Hello, my name is Michelle Ojeda and this is concerning Dr. Philip Leonard. My husband, Arnold Ojeda Jr. has been a patient of Dr. Philip Leonard since 1989. Dr. Leonard has taken good care of my husband Arnold by talking to him and telling him that he could get better if he set his mind to it. I, Michelle, spend time with Dr. Leonard in his office to discuss things about my husband's health and if there is anything that I need to do to help. My husband has never complained about his doctor "Philip Leonard" Arnold has always depended on Leonard if my husband needed someone to speak to Dr. Leonard was there for Arnold. I myself think that Leonard was the best Doctor not only for my husband but for other people like my mother in-law. He has always been my mother in-laws Doctor. She has never complained about him, she told us how good Leonard was to her. My mother in-law always talked t him about her condition. Arnold Ojeda said he missies Philip Leonard being his doctor because every time Arnold visit Leonard he always cheered im up when he was down. If any question feel free to call me Michelle at (512) 447-3510. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Ojeda ================================================== From: Richard Straus - security at Motorola Date: 18 Jul 2003 I have seen Dr. Leonard on and off for over ten years. He is caring and thorough, but most importantly, he produces results! The primary reason that I have come to Dr. Leonard was regarding head aches. Some headache patterns were almost debilitating, to the point I felt my quality of life was severely impacted. Over the years he has run numerous diagnostic tests. We did an EEG early on, years later did a couple of MRI's one with dye. One of those tests revealed some degeneration of a neck vertebrae. Dr. Leonard provided positive results with a number of different treatments. Many times he has injected a medication into the base of my skull which often reduced headaches for long periods of times. Another visit he injected botulinum toxin into the temple area of my skull and completed eradicated a headache pattern that had persisted intermittently for over a year! Dr. Leonard has prescribed medications and a certain neck related physical therapy which have produced results. Dr. Leonard spends time with me, talks to me, is understanding and encouraging. I feel he truly cares about his patients, getting the right diagnoses and treatment. Regarding the allegations that Dr. Leonard is now facing, I attended several days of testimony from the alleged victims to the medical review board. Hearing the same testimony, it is incredible that this board temporarily suspended his license, before a court trial! The witnesses had criminal backgrounds, prostitutes, drug abusers, etc. But most notable in my observation was a lack of consistent testimony, fluctuations in stories, and that the allegations were that he had "rubbed" against them during an office visit. Although I never recall Dr. Leonard getting that close during my office visits, I must say that probably 50% of the office visits of other medical professionals that have ever examined me have "rubbed" against me. It seems that an examination is a physical contact activity. Most of the time when the doctor is simply looking in your eyes and ears, they are very, very close. Rubbing against me. The interpretation by the patient is what then comes into question. I have never interpreted a medical professional that was attempting to examine or treat me, in an effort to help me feel better, as some type of sexual advance. It is part of medicine. If interpreted in the manner that Dr. Leonard's accusers have done, I would speculate that I could accuse about half of the medical profession I have ever known. Another striking point, in my opinion, was that the collection of female accusers appeared to be potentially, psychologically desperate for male attention. These women were not confident, physically attractive women. But I suspect that many are desperate to believe that a man finds them desirable, especially a successful medical doctor. It appeared to be fantasies of interpretation by these patients that seemed to have low self esteem. One poor soul, a fourtyish female that had some very pronounced degeneration of brain function, even stated that she had dated or had sex with another doctor, her psychiatrist. I did feel some sympathy for her, as she was so debilitated. Most extremely intelligent, educated, young and attractive women would have a difficult time attracting the amorous attention of one, let alone two doctors. Yet this poor woman, whom one could barely understand, claims to have attracted the attention of two doctors. It simply was not convincing, unbelievable. In addition, I believe my wife has seen Dr. Leonard some years ago and I referred my mother to him believe she was referred by her GP to someone else. I am convinced that the case against Dr. Philip Leonard will be found without merit. Sincerely, Richard Straus ================================================== From: Oscar G Martinez Date: 18 Jul 2003 Philip, hope things are going some what good for you now ,I have not heard of any thing in the news so i thought that i would check with you and see if i still have a doctor? or not. I HOPE - I STILL DO. I LIKE THE DRIVES TO YOUR OFFICE. I still say you are a great Doctor. I am waiting to go see you soon! ================================================== From: Richard Straus - security at Motorola Date: 18 Jul 2003 Dr. Leonard is the BEST. The charges are without merit. I personally attended 3 different days of testimony and am shocked at the decision of the medical review board. In addition, the behavior of the Hispanic review board member toward the observers was hostile, rude and unprofessional. I am amazed the our government allows personalities such as this to sit on such an important board. His behavior was disgraceful. He was especially prejudiced in this case, but all three obviously have no idea what an open mind is, nor the investigative techniques to properly analyze the obviously questionable and skewed testimony of some witnesses. Finally, the revocation of the license before a trial is simply unthinkable. ================================================== From: Richard Straus - security at Motorola Date: 17 Jul 2003 My praise for Dr. Leonard and his medical service, diagnostic technique, but most importantly, positive results are that he is the best in his field. At one juncture, I began to feel that headaches were severe to the point that it had become incapacitating. Through a variety of treatments and prescribed therapy I am an active, successful and vibrant career oriented individual. I want thank Dr. Leonard for his role in improving the quality my quality of life. I give God the glory for all good things in my life. Richard Straus ================================================== From: Mrs. Chandler - Former Child Protective Services Worker Date: 17 Jul 2003 I am writing this letter with high regards for Dr. Philip Leonard. Dr. Leonard saved my life and gave me the hope to live. By the grace of God, I am still working and earning an income. After two car accidents in 1992, while driving for Child Protective Services of Travis County, I was taken care of by Workers Comp. The county got all their money back from my settlement and I was severely depressed and confused because I still was not adequately functioning. Later, I went to rehab and Dr. Leonard. He discovered I had been suffering from a closed head injury. My family didn't know what was wrong and thought I needed to be put in Austin State Hospital (at first) because no one understood the changes in my behavior. My children and neighbors helped me while I went through cognitive therapy. I still have trouble with my vision (peripheral) . Dr. Leonard encouraged me to keep working even when I hated it. Encouraged me to go to counseling to bury some of my animosity towards the system when I didn't have medicine he would always make sure I had some. He was probably the reason I never pursued a lawsuit for my injuries, pain and suffering. I hope some one will consider the importance of "good doctors" who find out what's really going on; maybe a problem that can be fixed with the proper time and evaluation, while others lives are saved; many children as well as adults. Thank you, Mrs. Chandler ================================================== From: Herrera Family Date: 17 Jul 2003 To whom it may concern: In 1995, my mother experienced a traumatic head injury at work. After passing months, she began to experience symptoms related to head injury. Throughout the year, we visited numerous doctors attempting to diagnose and treat her problem, but were unsuccessful. During doctor's visits, most physicians indicated that there was nothing wrong with my mom, instructing her to return to work. As instructed, she returned to work, only to begin a long and catastrophic journey, which finally ended her career with the State Agency of Texas Department of Public Safety. As reality set in, my mom was out of work due to illness, we were referred by legal counsel, to Dr. Phillip Joseph Leonard, a longtime resident in the field of Neurology. We explained our dilemma, emphasizing our position and outlining past results with other physicians. Being in the field numerous years, Dr. Leonard made an assessment, asked intelligent questions, annotating his opinion before submitting my mom to further testing. Once an assessment was made, only then did he submit my mom to MRI and EEG testing. The testing finally vindicated my mom, making the discovery of internal head damage caused by her fall. Although there was great relief with the findings, a new challenge was placed before us, treating my mom for life. Dr. Leonard was passionate in attempting to resolve most of my mother's health problems. The success was not without its merits caused by new medicine and side affects imposed on my mom's infrastructure. Dr. Leonard was a master in this area. During each visit, he made critical assessments, asking related questions about the meds, making adjustments as needed until my mom was able to stabilize her illness within reason. In addition to medicine, Dr. Leonard also submitted Mom to the Austin Neurological Clinic for Neuropsychology for therapy. This therapy has assisted my mom and our family in coping with her illness. For those who have never experienced a catastrophic head injury, no words can explain the challenges and pitfalls bestowed before you and your family, both emotionally and financially. In addition, finding a qualified compassionate physician who is passionate about his work, is an even bigger challenge. The odds of finding a great doctor who cares about his patient's health are far worst then trying to win the Texas Lottery. In today's society, filled with bottom line financial numbers imposed by insurance carriers and medical adjusters, it becomes a test of wills to determine what a human's life is worth. Dr. Leonard has excelled in this arena, exemplifying his care and understanding for all his Patients. He has clearly demonstrated time and time again what a true doctor should be. Both Mom and I were clearly reminded of what we lost, when Dr. Leonard was suspended from his Practice. My mom was running out of medicine, but was unable to get her prescriptions refilled due to the suspension. On any normal day, it was no big deal. We would call Dr. Leonard and he would expeditiously submit the orders to have my mother's medicine refilled without delay. With these issues at hand, we were unsuccessful on many levels. We could not get the required medication and physician treatment as dictated by insurance related guidelines. This dilemma spawned another major event, the changing of doctors in order to obtain the medicine as directed by the insurance agency. As with any insurance coverage, in order to receive treatment, your discount co-payment and premiums, the guidelines dictate that the acting physician be a current member in good standing with his certification. As a result, we were forced to temporarily change physicians. Both Mom and I were quick to indicate to the new Neurologist that the change would only be temporary until Dr. Leonard could be reinstated. My mother had to recall her past history to the new doctor, reliving the entire process, done many years ago. For any healthy person without a head injury, this would not be an issue, but for my mother it was a very traumatic scene. I found myself attempting to assist her, feeling overwhelmed with the entire process as well. We both discovered how well Dr. Leonard treated us. His absence of missing him has created a void in our lives. On September 11, I was in the Washington area, in close proximity to the Pentagon. Throughout the day's events, we all discovered a lot about who we are as a country, as individuals, and our families. As you know, it was a very chaotic day, being attacked, loss of life and not understanding the entire ramifications of the event. To this day, we continue to struggle with the aftermath that follows. It was a very scary and frightening time, knowing that your life, your professional and family values are all at stake. I can only imagine the same process and feeling when one's occupation and integrity are challenged. Over the years Dr. Leonard provided care to my mother, there was never any sign of misconduct, just common medical professionalism. I am aware that Medical Board must take action deem necessary to insure the patient's safety, but should also consider the good a medical professional has given to society as well. My family and I would like to thank Dr. Leonard for all his support and guidance over the years and wish him "God's Speed" in all his endeavors. We hope and trust that an amicable resolution can be obtained, exonerating him from his suspension. Best Wishes, Herrera Family ================================================== From: Donald E. Irvine, Father, Retired Military Date: July 15, 2003 It has been of Great Regret to not have Dr. Leonard's medical help available for our son. We have depended on his expertise for the past 12 years and have been very thankful in every aspect of his treatment. I was very disappointed last month when he was unable to see David, due to the current problems. I had to take him to the emergency room at St. David's and he was kept for two days. They thought his neurological problem had to do with an internal infection and treated him with antibiotics for two days. It would hae been great to come see Dr. Leonard after his release, but again we were very sorry not to be able to doctor with a very competent man of our choice. When he is able to practice his chosen trade, we want to return to see him. Thanks, Donald E. Irvine ================================================== From: Helen Moss Date: July 12, 2003 To whom it may concern: I have known Dr. Leonard for almost 7 years. I have entrusted myself into his care for the treatment of migraines. Prior to going to Dr. Leonard, I had gone to numerous other physicians-NO other doctor was more sympathetic, helpful and truly caring as Dr. Leonard. His patient care consists of great compassion which is so rare in today's insurance driven medical field. It is astounding, in my opinion, that based on the testimony from patients whose motives are questionable that an honest Doctor like Dr. Leonard has to endure this nightmare. I can only hope that the Peer Review Committee can recognize Dr. Leonard is an honorable physician and clear his good name so he can return to his practice as soon as possible. His patients need him. Sincerely. Helen Moss Property Manager ================================================== From: Mrs. Ethel D Key Date: 08 Jul 2003 Dr. Philip Leonard, This may come as a surprise to you, but I had to let you know that I have <DIV>been thinking of you and you are in my prayers , At 73 years old I always felt kind of like a mother to you. You are one brilliant DR. I will be happy when you return to your patients and practice. Mrs. Ethel D Key (Dodie) ================================================== From: Melvin L. Penson, Disabled Vet Date: 07 Jul 2003 I have been a patient of Dr. Phillip J. Leonard for the past 19 years. I have been a patient of Dr. Phillip Leonard since 1984. Dr. Leonard has always treated me with respect and dignity. Dr. Leonard has shown nothing but professional behavior and a fine sense of humor. His professional manners and his down-to- earth treatment shows on each and every visit. I feel that Dr. Leonard is getting nothing but a bad rap that he certainly does not deserve. My relationship with Dr. Leonard over the years has been pleasant experiences. I have nothing but high regards for Dr. Leonard and his staff of professionals. He Cares very much for his patients and his profession. ================================================== From: Dr. S Smith Date: 04 Jul 2003 In private, Doctors are outraged at the successful "set up" of a Doctor. We all know as men that a woman can make any accusation that they want and we just hope that our character would provide a support for us. There is a powerful reason to lie. Certain patients did NOT get what they wanted in Workman's Compensation or Disability determinations which cost them tens of thousands of dollars. They simply "got even" with Leonard. Is it possible? Read their Criminal Records, then decide. The charges against Dr. Leonard would be a joke but for the fact that the State Board accepted the Complaints and refused to investigate them. Since accusations on "inappropriate touching" (bottle of lidocaine, neurological hammer, etc in front pocket) means that the State Board will automatically believe the woman regardless of the presence of one's criminal rap sheet, you can expect that more doctors will just not treat these high risk patients. ================================================== From: Sara Austin To:info@peerreview.org Sent:Thursday, July 03, 2003 1:42 PM I have known Dr. Leonard since moving to Austin in 1995 and have shared call with him since 1999. Dr. Leonard has always interacted with patients with the utmost integrity and with an honest willingness to do what is best for them. He's done this at times in spite of difficult circumstances or difficult patients. I've heard so many of his patients tell me how grateful they are for his help when I was covering for him on the weekend. His absence for the past 4 months has been a great loss to the his patients and to the neurological community in Austin. Sara Austin, MD 3705 Medical Parkway, Ste 430 Austin, Texas 78705 Office: 512-323-9366 Fax: 512-323-0312 ================================================== From: President Center for Peer Review Justice Date: 3 July 2003 For those who are interested in learning some of the truths in this Dr. Philip Leonard's matter, one can start with the Transcript of the Proceedings at the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. Please withhold your judgment on Dr. Leonard until you start reading what happened at that Hearing. Try to understand the personalities of the female patients who testified at that Hearing. Please remember that Dr Leonard is a "Judge" in Workman's Compensation matters, appointed by the State, because he has shown himself to be trustworthy, unbiased, and of high moral character. FOR TWENTY YEARS!! Please remember that Patients come to him to keep their disability payments and if the medical condition has improved, regardless of how the patient might try to make it seem that it has not gotten better, Dr. Leonard will do the right thing and discharge the patient from disability and their disability check and make them go back to work. Some patients hate getting off of this "gravy train" of no work, free time and a weekly check. Some get VERY angry at the doctor who "did this to them" Some might even want "to get even," especially when the TV NEWS SHOWS URGE other patients to complain. In conclusion, the more I read and investigate the Dr. Leonard's matter, the more I am convinced at the unusual high morality of this man. THE CENTER FOR PEER REVIEW JUSTICE, INC, INC by: Richard Willner, President ================================================== From:Christina Olvera Date:03 Jul 2003 Time:00:41:37 -0400 I was referred to Dr. Leonard after seeing various physicians and physical therapists for a neck injury. I was disenchanted and discouraged by the results of the various treatments and diagnosis that I had undergone. The medical professionals I had seen up to that point did not have solution to my pain nor did they seem to believe the intensity of pain I was undergoing, which I found very disillusioning. Once I saw Dr. Leonard, he was able to diagnose me and relieve my pain instantly. As a regular patient, I was able make overall observations and I found him to be an outstanding physician for various reasons; he always demonstrated a sincere patience with each and every patient, he manifested warmth and humor, he has proficient bilingual abilities, and he cares about his patient’s quality of life. In addition, I met many patients who had seen him regularly for years and many of his patients had the same story, they had previous physicians who could not make a successful diagnosis but Dr. Leonard had been able to correctly diagnose and effectively treat their medical condition. My experience as Dr. Leonard’s patient has been positive and successful and it is because of his treatments that I was able to re-gain my quality of life. Thank you Dr. Leonard. ================================================== From: Ethel D. Key Date: 2 July 2003 Dr. Leonard, Thank you for getting me on my feet again. You are one in a very few to take older Medicare Patients. I am sure you remember the first time I came to your office . I could not walk at all. You gave me confidience in myself and worked with me like no other had . You are one brilliant Dr. I will be so happy when you return to your practice and all of your patients. My prayers are with you, Ethel D. Key ================================================== From: President Center for Peer Review Justice Date: 1 July 2003 Dear Reader: We all have heard that phrase, "where there is smoke there is fire", and there is certainly truth to it. Or otherwise, it would not be an expression that has stood the test of time. And, for anyone living in Austin who has seen the fact that Dr Leonard was the Lead in the local news for 6 days could certainly believe that Dr Leonard, even though he has NEVER been sued for Malpractice, and has NEVER had a Complaint to the Texas State Medical Board over some 20+ years of a very active practice, is guilty of "something". Now, let me share with you the facts. I have never met Dr. Leonard and until I saw his picture on his website, would not know him if he sat on my lap. The Center monitors the Press Releases of the Texas State Board and that is how we came to learn of his Temporary suspension from his active practice. We have independently investigated Dr. Leonard and we are SHOCKED at the findings. FIRST, WE READ THE TRANSCRIPTS OF THE TEXAS STATE BOARD HEARING. It is on www.PeerReview.org. It is some 800 pages, but it is very fast reading. What SHOUTS at the reader is that this Hearing was once sided. It came after the TV Media Blitz and the 3 Board Members were strongly biased. The Female Patients who had called in Complaints could not keep their stories straight. They were not aggressively questioned by Dr. Leonard's lawyer, but they still could not remember what they had testified just a minute or two before. It is noteworthy to me to discover the criminal pasts of some of these Female patients. Let&'s face it. There is the illusion of the making of a lot of money by the eventual Medical Malpractice lawsuits of these patients, and we all know of the studies of frivilous law suits against doctors. The examination of the patient by a Neurologist is such that it occupies the "personal space" of the patient. Even Dr Dean on National Radio has remarked to patients that "patients, if you want to be examined by OB-Gyn's or Neurologists, you have to be touched" (last weekend). There is no question that Neurologist Leonard is a detailed oriented doctor who spends time on a patient. This guy is driven to find the proper diagnosis on the difficult and impossible case. These writers talk about this Neurologist spending 1 hour, 2 hours on a new patient so that there are no short cuts in getting the proper diagnosis. This guy takes his time -- longer than most doctors who give the patient the national average of 6 minutes--- and that might make some patients "uncomfortable". Heck, I'm a doctor and I am "uncomfortable" when I visit a doctor. I hate it, and if I am in pain, I hate it even more. I can only imagine those female patients with SEVERE Headache type pain and how uneasy and uncomfortable they are in the Neurologist's office to begin with. Dr. Philip Leonard does not wear his white coat in his office. His job is very physicial (for a doctor) and he does not like the feeling of restraint that the coat gives him. As a Neurologist, he has to have certain "tools" available to him that he uses "all of the time". He keeps these instruments in HIS POCKETS. These tools may include: 1. Lidocaine local anesthetic 2. Celestone in a glass bottle. Used to give "cortisone" type injections in an area of pain. 3. Neurological hammer 4. Neurological tuning fork 5. other diagnostic instuments Also, while rushing in the active practice, he might have put his beeper and /or cell phone in his front pocket. If these women "really felt something", and I sincerely doubt that based on the overwhelming evidence, I would submit that they felt the casual and incidental contact of a glass vial of local anesthetic or cortisone or the neurological hammer. I welcome all comments on this issue. Please send them to The Center for Peer Review Justice, Inc. Email info@PeerReview.org Thank you. ================================================== From: Richard Crain Date: 30 Jun 2003 I have been with Dr. Leonard since 1990. He has helped me tremendously with the pain I had in my back due to a fall I received on my job. If it hadn't been for Dr. Leonard, I would probably still be waiting to get help from Workman's Comp. He stepped in and did a major part in getting me help. Dr. Leonard is a very caring person, I always enjoyed hearing about his family on my visits. In today's world it is very hard to find such a good, caring Dr. It would be a terrible loss to our community if Dr. Leonard could not continue his practice. ================================================== From: Utanah Crain Date: 30 Jun 2003 I have known Dr. Leonard since 1990. He helped my husband who was injured on his job. We had such a hard time with Workman's Comp, Dr. Leonard stepped in and got us the help we needed. I have also been a patient of Dr. Leonard's. When I injured my shoulder he was able to help relieve the pain through treatments. In today's society, it is very hard to find a Dr. who is as caring as Dr. Leonard. Dr. Leonard and his staff always went way beyond the call of duty to help his patients. Dr. Leonard helped us through a very rough time with Richard's injury and my injury. We need more Drs. in our community like Dr. Leonard. ================================================== From: Diane H Green Date June 27, 2003, Dr. Leonard is the most caring and responsible doctor I have ever seen. He has researched an ear problem that had bothered me and caused extreme pain and gave me a very simple solution. I have relyed on his care since 1994, and I trust him completely. I will continue to rely on his care. Diane H. Green ================================================== From: Dr Rich Willner Date June 25, 2003, 10:48 PM To anybody reading this website, the big question is "Is Dr. Leonard guilty?" To us, the independent investigators of The Center for Peer Review Justice, Inc, the answer is very easy. There is absolutely no doubt in our minds that Dr Leonard is NOT guilty. None. Positively none! Why do we say this? Let me give you a short outline as I am typing this at 10:30PM while still at my office. I will add more at a later date. 1. The Nature of Neurology physical exams is invasive. The Neurologist gets "in your face" and in your personal space. While it may be anticipated or not, it might be "upsetting" so some patients are not accustomed to such a genuine and caring person. As these letters show, and the many more letters that I have on my desk that are not for publication, this doctor is sincere. 2. Dr Leonard is a "Doctor's Doctor". He will take plenty of time with a patient so that he can rule out the possible diagnosis in order to come up with the right one. 3. Dr. Leonard IS different. I have had the opportunity to spend many hours on the telephone with him late at night while I drive home from my office, or when he drives to his very sick and elderly Mother's home 300 miles away. I am very fortunate to be able to call Dr. Leonard, friend. 4. I have a 15 year old daughter who wants to follow all of her cousins in going to the University of Texas at Austin. I asked Dr. Leonard if he would be so kind as to allow my daughter to stay with him. I am a typical overprotective father but I would feel very comfortable knowing that my daughter was staying with Dr Leonard. If what the TV Media reported about Dr Leonard was true, I would never agree to this. 5. The Complaint System in Texas. Texas is the only state that I know of where the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners orders every Doctor to post a sign that encourages "Complaints" on the Doctor to the State Board. This gives the Patients "the upper hand" in dealing with the Doctor. An unhappy patient, FOR ANY REASON, can "report" the doctor truthfully, or she can make up a story. And if a patient is unhappy with the Workman's Compensation disability determination, which means hundreds of thousands of dollars to a patient, that patient will be angry as a boil and might get even. 6. Dr. Leonard's practice is a rather large one, which he developed over some 20 years. He is one of but 2 Austin Neurologists who take Medicaid. A doctor is quite dedicated to the ideals of healing humanity to accept Medicaid. The patients are time consuming and demanding, the paperwork is punishing, and the pay is poor. But, what motivated Dr. Leonard is the fact that he remembers his late Father's words that every person is entitled to a doctor regardless of the ability to pay him. Dr. Leonard's father died 18 months ago, and he will always honor his Father's words. I understand that. I honor my Father's words also. 7. Dr. Leonard has a busy practice and, like all doctors, he 'runs' from treatment room to treatment room. While one patient is giving a history to his Nurse, a Nerve Conduction Velocity test could be going on in another, and he could be doing a NEUROLOGICAL Physical Exam on another. Dr. Leonard does not wear a white coat as it interferes with his movement. He does, however, have a habit of stuffing his pants pockets with glass vials of lidocaine, or Celestone, his neurological hammer, and sometimes his beeper or Cell phone. He is in a hurry and just not thinking about it, as highly focused physicians do. It is all too easy for some incidental contact between his pocket and a patient. Nobody, and I mean nobody, would ever think about this, and think that this could mean the end of a highly respected Medical career. ================================================== From: DAO VO Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 5:11 AM To whom it may concern: We would like to request you to reconsider Dr. Leonard 's case and get him back to practicing medicine. We urgently need his care because we have been his current patients for over 7 years. Since then until now ,we haven't seen any doctors beside Dr. Leonard. We trust in his competency and professional treatment. He is a good and caring doctor. My mother, Tuyet Tran ,had a cerebro-vascular accident in 1992 and the result of that she has had dementia and Alzheimer's. Although she is forgetful ,she seems have a good impression to Dr. Leonard. One time, during an office visit ,she said that Dr Leonard is very intelligent, that surprised us too much, because since a long time she is unable to express her idea. My father, Minh Vo, has a depression and Alzheimer's too. He was a Judge and Professor at the School of Law in Vietnam before 1975. He has been under Dr Leonard's care since 1998. In his eyes, he sees Dr Leonard as a great doctor, so he used to call him "Reverend Doctor" .He expresses his respect to Dr. Leonard through his good personality and moral. In addition, he said that DR. LEONARD deserves the title of "good disciple of Hippocrates" because he denotes his humanitarian spirit while treating his patients. We are patients on Medicaid and Dr Leonard treats us with respect and dignity .There is any racial discrimination, sometimes he speaks to us in French and Vietnamese for we do not speak English. The thing we remember the most and are very grateful to Dr Leonard is that he helps us by writing medical letters to The Immigration and Naturalization Services so that they allow us to take the US Citizenship test in our native language (due to our Alzheimer's disease, we are unable to learn English although we can read, write and speak French fluently). We are very shocked when we heard that Dr LEONARD has been accused ofinappropriate manner to female patients. We cannot believe that because Dr Leonard always has a very appropriate and polite behavior to us. We think that these patients have made false accusations against him. We hope that Dr Leonard's charge will be examined with loyalty and cleared as soon as possible so that he can get back to his profession and help patients waiting for him. We understand the doctor's reputation is very important and precious for a physician's career. Sincerely, The Vo family ================================================== From: Mark Juarez Date: 23 Jun 2003 Dr.Leonard, you have been my physician since 1995 when I moved to Austin from Calif. You took my case even though I am a Medicare patient. You have spent numerous hours with me for various problems especially dealing with migraine headaches. You have always given me your full attention when I come for an appointment, even when you were running behind. I want to thank you for the care you have given me, and I pray that you will be back in your office soon. Best Regards, Mark Juarez ================================================== From: Melva Butler Date: 23 Jun 2003 My name is Melva Butler and this letter is about one of the finest Doctors I have had to ever treat me! I have been a patient of Doctor Leonard's for about three years. When I first came to the Doctor I had multiple problems. I had been having migraine headaches everyday for almost eight years and been to doctor after doctor and gotten no help, plus I was having neurology problems on top of the headaches. I had been to so many Doctors that just did nothing, it was a wonderful thing to find one that really seemed to care and kept working with me till a answer was found!!! IN ALL THE TIME that I have been seen by Doctor Leonard he has never in anyway touched or made any unprofessional or inappropriate moves around me!! I find it absolutely disgraceful that the medical board would even consider stopping this Doctor from practicing. If this world only had more Doctor Philip Leonard's we should all be so lucky!!! I have personally benefited from his care and treatment, however, I am a witness to many, many of his other patients and their story's and how little hope they had when they came to Doctor Leonard, there are hundreds of wonderful survival story's in this world because of this Doctor. Put this Doctor back in practice where he should be, and allow him to continue doing the job his heart and life is built around! I hope that all the people on the Medical Board will search their hearts and realize what a great injustice they are doing! God Bless Dr Leonard, Your Patients and Friends are praying for you! ================================================== From: Oscar Martinez, fireman & teacher Date: 21 Jun 2003 Dr.Leonard I have known you since 1985 to this day you have been treating me .and you have seen my family before we are all happy with the care that you have given us . I have seen a lot doctors before, but of all, I find you the best -you seem to know where the pain is and what to do to help get rid of it .When I am asked who my doctor is ? I am happy to say it is Dr. Philip Leonard he is the best I have seen yet. ================================================== From: Peter W. Pick M.D. Ph.D. Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 Dear Sir: I am a neurologist physician (M.D.) and also am an anatomic, clinical and neuro-pathologist. I am lifetime certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in Neurology, and by the American Board of Pathology (ABP) in AP/CP and NP. I also earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1974. I served on active duty in the USAR Medical Corp as a neurologist (major and then lieutenant colonel) from 1989 through 1995, including three years at Ft. Hood, TX (1989 -1992), Currently, I practice neurology in Shorewood, WI at the above address and have medical staff privileges at St. Michael's Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. I am in good standing, and have never had a malpractice suit filed against me or an adverse credentialing action. I am not in the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDN). An abbreviated version of my C.V. is attached. I have some publications and am an active journal and grant reviewer. I held a valid Texas medical license (No. J0611) from 1991, until I allowed it to expire on 5/31/2003. I am aware of the case of neurologist, Philip Leonard M.D. in Austin, TX. I understand that his Texas Medical License has been suspended by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and that he faces criminal charges and civil charges. I understand that he has been charged with sexual misconduct with female patients in the course of his practice. The alleged incidents occurred in his medical office. This is a letter of support for Dr. Philip Leonard and I ask that the charges against him be dropped and that his Texas Medical License be reinstated. Dr. Philip Leonard is certified by the ABPN, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). He performs nerve conduction studies (NCV) and EMG tests and chronic pain management in his office. This includes examination of patients and injection of medication into patients. I also perform NCS and EMG tests and examine treat patients with chronic pain. This does require close proximity of the examining testing physician and the patients. I do not believe that Dr. Leonard has been touching his patients inappropriately. I do not believe any of the vicious and malicious accusations against him by the female patients. Dr. Leonard is bilingual, and has been treating the poor patients of Austin and Central , Texas. He does not deserve these false and unsubstantiated accusations. These women have conferred among each other, and have conspired to accuse him falsely. This is being done mainly in an attempt to extort money from him. and also to destroy his reputation. I moved to Austin, TX in late Oct. 1995 when I was discharged from active duty in USAR Medical Corp at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Landstuhl, Germany. I attempted to practice in neurology in Austin, but the competition was too great. I have interviews at a well known local clinic in Austin and my offer to treat the poor people of Austin was met with disdain. Many physicians are not willing to treat poor people. Dr. Philip Leonard is one of the compassionate physicians who has been providing medical care to poor people. He is to be commended for his efforts. In my opinion, all the accusations against Dr. Philip J. Leonard are false. The TMB must realize its errors in his case. The TMB has been naive. I ask that the TMB reinstate Dr. Philip Leonard's Texas Medical License at once and to take active steps to rectify the damage that has been done to his professional and personal reputation as a physician. Thank you for your attention and interest Sincerely, Peter W. Pick M.D. Ph.D. ================================================== From: Don Maloney Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 In 1975, our son, Sean, then age 6, was stricken with a seizure disorder, epilepsy. He went under the care of Dr. Robert Cain in Austin, TX until we relocated overseas (I was retired from the USAF and flying for an international airline in Japan). Dr. Cain acted as our medical consultant, via phone and correspondence, in our dealings and treatment plans under other doctors,military and civilian, until we returned to this area and he again became Sean's primary Neurologist. When Dr. Cain's professional interest changed he recommended Dr. Leonard as his replacement; a real boon for us. For the past 10+ years Dr. Leonard has treated and recommended procedures for Sean. He has followed through on all aspects of Sean's care; hospitalizations, surgery for VNI, medications (adjusting and changing as necessary) always with compassion and a dedication to help; NEVER a hint of inappropriate behavior. Philip Leonard is a good, attentive, caring medical professional (all synonymous with "Doctor of Medicine") and as such, should retain his legal medical status. Don Maloney USAF Retired ================================================== Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 From: Mary Ellen Felps JD Dr. Leonard has treated my family and my clients who are seeking Social Security benefits. He is kind, caring, and very professional. He is extraordinarily skilled at diagnosing difficult cases. He never puts money ahead of treating the patient. He has often done charitable services for my clients. I have never heard any client say anything but the most complimentary and positive comments about Dr. Leonard. I have observed him in his office often and see no opportunity for impropriety due to his busy caseload and the fact that treatment rooms are near staff offices and adjacent to other treatment rooms. I have served with him on community service committees and find him to be a giving person. He is a wonderful family man whom I have overheard speaking with his family. He is a caring and very wise parent. He uses good psychological skills with his children. I know few physicians of whom I could speak more highly. Sincerely, Mary Ellen Felps JD ================================================== From:DAVID WISHNEW MD - Plastic Surgeon Date: June 18, 2003 Dr. Leonard's competancy as a physician and neurologist have never been in question. Phil is a fine Doctor and a well respected and highly competant Neurologist. I have referred patients to him and would continue to do so. This entire incident is a source of concern to me, since it highlights problems with physician/patient relationships, transference/counter-transference, and errors in interpersonnal nonverbal communication. The physician's office is an intimate environment. Patients completely expose themselves physically as well as emotionally; this creates a type of intimate relationship beetween physician and patient which we, as physicians are careful to not abuse. However, with some patients, an emotional and intimate attachment evolves as a result of this nakedness. The patient experiences transferrence and sometimes the physician (unwillingly and unknowingly) responds through counter-transference. When this happens, the patient can percieve the physician response as a type of (non-existing) physical intimacy. Add to this the non-verbal body language in a transference-counter transferrence situation and you have the recipe for trouble. Patients perceive our caring for them (physically) as caring for them (emotionally).I don't think we should stop caring for them, but how to get patients to make this distinction is difficult. It is a thorny patch. David Wishnew ================================================== From: Bret A. Munk Date:18 Jun 2003 Dr. Leonard cared for my mother who suffered from epilepsy and cancer until her death in 2003. My mother was very selective in her choice of doctors and scrutinized every action taken by the medical community for her behalf throughout her 4 year bout with Stage IV. My mother had nothing but praise for the techniques, professional demeanor, and reassuring manners of Dr. Philip Leonard. I personally visited Dr. Leonard on numerous occasions during office hours and observed a professional with a strong work ethic and a desire to serve patients with dignity and comfort. I pray that the truth will be revealed in these allegations against Dr. Leonard and that his practice and his life would be restored. Respectfully, Bret A. Munk ================================================== From:Donna Dawson, RN Date: 17 Jun 2003 It is a sad state of affairs when MDs will not stand up for a Doctor that has practiced in a city for 20 years without a problem. Everyone is running for a dark corner instead of really looking at the situation and giving support to a brother in Medicine. The right wing fear is obvious. Stand up gentlemen, it could happen to you. ================================================== Monday, June 16, 2003 From: Willie J. Franklin (patient) Austin, TX To: The Decision-Making Officials, Medical Review Board Members and Judges. Subject: Pleading For Reinstatement of ours beloved doctor's (Dr. Philp J. Leonard) medical license. My wife and I had just moved to Austin and in November 1993, I feel and suffered a severe back injury that caused major spinal column damages. I immediately went to Breckenridge Hospital ER for treatments, ER doctor told me that I should go see a neurology the next day for more in-depth evaluation of my spine and referred me to Dr. Leonard. That's been almost 10 years ago, unfortunate as a result of this injury I became total disabled. I had to have major spinal surgery with fusion and will always need medical care, prescription medicine and many other high cost medical treatments. To this patient not only was it my good fortune that I got to meet Dr. Leonard in 1993, it has also been a God sent blessing. You see, before my accident (fall) I worked as an outside insurance salesman for many years, working very hard but enjoying it, earning a nice annual income and being able to provide for all my family needs and some of their wishes. This accident change my whole life in an instant, I went from being a physical healthy hard working semi-middle class income earning tax-paying individual to total disable social security income Medicare participant. This is where Dr. Leonard comes in as my "God sent blessing" You see, before now I don't think Dr. Leonard knew this, but he will recall when he read this entry; One day my wife and I walked into his office for one of my many follow-up visits, and I was very down that day, I had gotten so emotional depressed, so drained because of all I've loss due to my accident, I felt like giving up, things were going so bad for me and my family, I could no longer afford to buy all the medication I needed for the ever present back pains, depression and other illnesses. Being the kind of person I am, proud and self-independent, I were simply to shame to ask Dr. Leonard if he had any samples of some those high price prescriptions I needed but could no longer afford to buy. He has finished his medical follow-up, begun his dictation and end our visit and I wouldn't see him again for three months, I were sitting there paining and very depressed because I had ran out of the medications I needed.I knew, I must do something and I must do it now, I looked at my wife and she looked at me with that look on her face, saying what are you waiting for, go ahead ask for samples, but I were still filling to shame to do so, so just as we got up to leave, Dr. Leonard turn and asked: "Do you need prescription refill or anything?" For some reason he said the words I needed to hear, he unlocked the shield of shameless inside of me, so I were able to ask for samples. That's why I say he's God sent, he always there for his patients, he's always concerned about my illnesses, my well being and my medical care. I had seen many doctors in my lifetime but Dr. Leonard is different, he appears to have a special gift that few doctors have now days. He loves what does, he's a master at his craft (medical provider) and he truly care about his patients. Around me, my wife he has been, and I am sure will always be a Well-Manner Professional Doctor and a Prefect Gentleman. Over the years, Dr. Leonard has become not only my doctor but also my friend. I still have my friend and I pray daily, soon I will have my doctor back. As a patient who needs medical care treatment continually, I am asking that you please reinstate Dr. Philp J. Leonard medical license ASAP. " We Need and Deserve To Have Our Doctor Back". Sincerely yours, Willie J. Franklin ================================================== DEPUTY BUILDING OFFICIAL CITY OF CEDAR PARK From: Sterling Hemphill Date: 17 Jun 2003 Time: 10:11:11 -0400 Dr Leonard has been treating me for 15 years and has observed how he conducts his practice. Neurologists have to get close to subject and get a hands on feeling for bone structure/muscle/nerve structure and I can see how people get the wrong impression of this type of practice but this is imperative to treat neurological problems. The complaint ants if felt violated should look deep and hard at what type of treatment they were receiving and just walked out of office. I feel Dr Leonard is being taken advantage of because of his practice for monetary reasons and I hope you realize this could open door for any person to try and do the same thing to many Doctors and I fell this is a nation wide problem that can only get worse. Dr Leonard has helped me to the highest professional treatment know to the medical community. I have nothing but excellent praise for the job that Dr Leonard has done for me and I hope these people only looking for a monetary advantage get not what they want but a free follow visit if that will help them. Because of this issue I would advise Dr Leonard to have a female staff member in his exams from this point on feel free to contact me at any time. Please let Dr Leonard continue his practice he has helped so many patients. Sterling Hemphill ================================================== From: Donna Dawson, RN Date: Monday, June 16, 2003 5:11 PM Please allow this to serve as my show of support for the MD listed above. Dr. Leonard has always been kind to me and my son, his patient Beau Dawson. I am an RN and recognize good clinical care when I see it. I also think that unless I'm in error, this is still America and a persons livelihood should not be taken without a guilty verdict in a court of law. Since when did MDs really oversee themselves? It really has to do with media coverage, right? My son was cared for well by Dr. Leonard and his care has been disrupted and he will have to start all over with another MD. Please give attention to this matter ASAP. ================================================== From: John H. Moragne Date: June 12, 2003 Time: 1:11 P.M. I have been a patient of Dr. Leonard for approximately 7 years, ever since he attended me in the hospital. I was in the hospital for five days with numerous doctors. It was Dr. Leonard who finally convinced the other doctors what my problem was, and the logical solution to it. That is not the only time he has been my doctor of last resort. His approach is very personal and holistic; and while he is a superb specialist in his field, he has a real knack at getting to the bottom of the problem. Part of this success is related to his willingness to devote enough time to discuss your problem. At 82 years of age, with a heart condition, I have seen a lot of doctors, and I consider Dr. Leonard as one of the very best, and I would consider it a great loss if he were no longer able to treat me. Admittedly, his personality is not run-of-the-mill, and he has an offbeat sense of humor which might turn some people off, but in my seven years of regular contact I have found him to be not only very smart but also wise. Being a professional man I was appalled at the treatment Dr. Leonard received at the hearings I attended. I frankly was appalled that the Austin medical community would put on a "mock trial " about such a serious matter. The unprofessionalism and downright bias shown by some of the members of the panel, made it obvious to anyone attending that Dr. Leonard would not get a fair hearing. It is a shame. I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Leonard as a doctor and a gentleman. John H Moragne ================================================== From: John P. Schneider, M.D. Date: 4 Jun 2003 To Whom It May Concern: A trusted physician that I had known for many years, Dr. Earl Claywater of Tyler, wrote me to assist Dr Philip Leonard upon his arrival in Austin. I naturally did as suggested and never regretted my relationship with him. Soon after he arrived in Austin I had a horse accident and he was one of my attending physicians. My wife and I found him very competent and caring. We shared many patients during his practice in Austin and I found Dr. Leonard very knowledgeable in his field of Neurology. I felt his professional acumen and good character such that I referred many patients to him for neurological problems; never was I told of any dissatisfaction by this large number of patients. He stayed up to date on the latest data and medicines in his field and I enjoyed conversations with him about the new ideas in medicine. Dr. Leonard brought his father and uncle from several hundred miles away to me as patients, so you see that we had a good professional relationship. Sincerely, John P. Schneider, M.D. ================================================== From: Richard Whitman, Ph.D. Date: 11 Jun 2003 I am writing in support of Dr. Philip Leonard’s reinstatement as practitioner of neurology in the State of Texas. I have known Dr. Leonard all my life, spending a significant amount of time with him as a youth, adolescent and adult. He is my cousin on my mother’s side. Philip and I are one year apart and we have followed each other’s achievements whether they were social, academic or professional. Because of this, I have intimate knowledge of him as a person, relative and friend. I can assure you that Dr. Leonard is an honest, sincere, caring person and one of the most dedicated people in his profession I have met. From the beginning, he has steered a true course to neurology, working under University of Texas neurological researchers. He loves neurology, it is his whole life! He started his MD work at the same time I started my doctoral work, our lives have paralleled one another until now. I am still living my boyhood dream and Philip’s profession has been temporarily interrupted. He deserves your most serious consideration and fairness. This man has dedicated his life to the fraternity of healers; do not break that bond on mere suspicion. Philip will not tell you, but he is totally dedicated to his mother, children and his family. To the latter, he has spent countless hours genealogically reconstructing, for the sake of posterity, our family proud heritage, so deeply lost by the holocaust. Dr. Leonard has a deep sense of responsibility to his legacy and family name. Restore his name and pride. Do not injure that further; redeem his rightful respect to your honorable profession - for him, the community and patients and for medicine. He is a good doctor, let him do good. Richard Whitman, Ph.D. Chief, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station United States Geological Survey 6/11/03 ================================================== From: Patricia Stinson-Sunbury Date: 09 Jun 2003 I have been a patient of Dr. Leonard's for around seven years and he has done a great deal to help me. I finally went to him for help after seeing him help a number of my home health clients repeatedly, from shingles to diabetic neuropathy. I had been getting various treatments from Dentists, Orthodontists, Endodontists, Family Practitioners, and finally an Oral Surgeon. All of these were appropriate, as I had recurrent infections, or abscesses and advanced degeneration of my rt. jaw joint and the muscles were fibrotic causing severe TMJ. By the time I got to Dr Leonard, my life was controlled by pain(s)and the drugs that attempt to mask or alleviate them. Now, I have a life. Yes, I still take some medication, and I still have some aches and pains, but they don't dictate my life. If Dr Leonard had not looked at the data repeatedly, and done research on similar cases in other parts of the U.S. and had just taken the attitude "well, I've done everything I can do..." He keeps trying, which validates me, and has helped me, incredibly. He never made me feel as though there was something wrong with me , because there wasn't anything he could think of to do right now. I found this a very common treatment from other medical professionals in the past. Also, he found the addition of natural or dietary supplements were helpful and could cut down on some of my dosages of other pharmaceuticals. He also was aware of my lack of insurance, and tried to keep my expenses down. He was aware of my marital severance and was never, NEVER inappropriate. He did imply that he did not really agree, but it was not something we discussed. His daughter and sometimes his son were in his office, and I got the impression that he was probably anti-divorce and very involved with his family, which actually impressed me. I have children, too, and he has given me back my life, so I can give so much more to them than before...and enjoy it! ================================================== From: Kris Lawley Date: 09 Jun 2003 Hello, I became one of Dr. Leonard's patients 3 years ago when I sought treatment for unexplained pain and weakness in my left arm and hand. My symptoms were related to my job so I had to find doctor that would see new patients covered by Workers comp insurance. I soon discovered that there aren't many Neurologists in Austin that take on Workers Comp cases. In fact, Dr. Leonard was the only Neurologist I could find that would accept Workers Comp patients. I didn't know anything about him at that point and had no idea what kind of care I would receive but I was desperate, I was in pain and I will always be grateful that Dr. Leonard was willing to see me. As it turned out, Dr. Leonard was the most thorough doctor of any kind I've ever been treated by. My initial visit included a very detailed examination and lengthy discussion. I was impressed, he spent a significant amount of time questioning me and trying to really understand my symptoms. I've spent over an hour talking to him during many of my appointments, he takes total control over my care and has even called insurance adjusters, physical therapists and neurosurgeons to consult on my symptoms or to personally ask them to take on my case during my examinations. Dr. Leonard was relentless in his quest to find out what was causing my symptoms and fought many battles with insurance adjusters to get diagnostic tests authorized that he felt were required to diagnose the cause of my symptoms, his persistence and determination ultimately resulted in a diagnosis. If it wasn't for him I'd still be suffering. Dr. Leonard has always provided excellent care and has treated me professionally and appropriately at all times. I am a 41 year old single woman and have spent many hours during examinations with him and have never ever even been the least bit uncomfortable with him nor have I witnessed any inappropriate behavior at any time when I've been in Dr. Leonard's company. In my opinion he's a great doctor who's been singled out by some unscrupulous people. Unfortunately the system I thought was designed to protect the innocent is extremely flawed. I've lost my faith in the medical review process and question the Medical Review Board's motives. I attended a portion of the hearings (and even brought signs for support) and was shocked by the way they were held. It was like a really bad TV movie.... I can only hope that the truth will prevail and Dr. Leonard will be allowed to return to practice soon, if not, his patients will end up suffering most as I doubt that we'll be able to find the high caliber, quality care that Dr. Leonard provides from anyone else. I've been very fortunate to have received excellent medical care from Dr. Leonard! If you would like to speak with me about my experience directly please contact me. I support Dr. Leonard! Sincerely, Kris Lawley ================================================== From: Margie Hoelscher Date: 08 Jun 2003 This letter is in support of a fine doctor and concerned caring person. Dr. Leonard has treated my children and me for many years. Each of us was treated with great respect and as an individual with many different and complicated medical problems. Many doctors do not have time to spend with their patients but Dr. Leonard had the time to ask questions which provided him the maximum information needed to treat you. He is a master at diagnosing medications and not adding more but keeping you from having to take multiple medications with many side affects. It was such a relief as parent to have my children with seizures controlled with the least amount of medication. As a person, Dr. Leonard has given of his time and money to those who could not afford medical care. He cares enough to go that extra mile. I believe he is honest, caring, and the type of doctor anyone would be happy to have treat them. Sincerely, Margie Hoelscher ================================================== From: Robert P. Wills, MD Date: 05 Jun 2003 In regards to Dr. Leonard, I have known Dr. Leonard in the medical community of Austin, Texas for 8 years. His treatment of patients that I have referred to him has been excellent, and without complaint of any kind. In addition, he has referred me patients for advanced pain management treatment, and these patients again have expressed only praise and compliments about Dr. Leonard's care for them. In my 8 years in Austin, I have interacted with Dr. Leonard at social functions, clinical meetings, hospital wards and over the phone and via mail, and have great respect for his professional and serious approach to medicine and his patients and colleagues.

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