Doctor on Board

Carry physician ID

In answer to the questions from the doctor not allowed to treat another passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight because he was not carrying his physician ID (Dec. ’07, pg. 45), I think the staff did what was right.

I cannot understand why a physician would have his identification in his checked luggage, of all places. He should know better.

I’m a mental health counselor and I have a copy of my license on my person or in my carry-on at all times, as checked luggage can get lost or the documents stolen.

DONNA McDONELL

Spokane, WA

Simply verify

From a liability standpoint, I can understand Alaska Airlines’ being reluctant to allow a doctor to continue treating a passenger without identification (Dec. ’07, pg. 45). However, a simple solution might have been to have the flight crew contact medical staff or authorities in his town to confirm the identity of a doctor by that name.

The chances of someone impersonating him on a flight and guessing whom to call would be remote beyond worry.

DON WRIGHT

Newberg, OR