This Day in Medicine - April 19th

1981, Columbus, Ohio: Third year medical student Bryan Sasser begins his radiology rotation at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He is assigned to Dr. Lloyd Vanderspiegle, Professor of Radiology, who has been working alone the past four years studying a new type of x-ray called "CT scanning." For the next two weeks Sasser works side by side with Dr. Vanderspiegle in his small reading room, learning the arcana of these mysterious scans. At the end of the rotation, without any warning according to archived police reports, Bryan Sasser is arrested for starting a fire in the backyard of his apartment building. When interrogated he states that he was "burning my entire wardrobe - all of it and I don't give a damn what happens." Sasser is summarily disciplined by the Honor Council, but does eventually graduate with distinction and goes on to become a noted pulmonologist. As for Dr. Vanderspiegle, he announces his retirement two days after the medical school issues this announcement:

"Starting on the first of next month no smoking will be allowed in all areas of the hospital except the designated lounges located at the rear of building."

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I'm at a loss trying to understand that one.

By John J. Coupal (not verified) on 20 Apr 2007 #permalink

Sounds like Dr. Vanderspiegle was a smoker! Nowdays my workplace is smoke-free, but I remember when smoke in my office did my plans to wear contacts instead of glasses in.