the
hypothesis of investigating late radiation effects. The people desire that
not
do
"we
admit
rather
but
“doctors simply do not say "There is no danger"
tion and
know completely" and design a program of continuing medical observa
examination of all the people.

When discussions have arisen concerning the need to expand the
Rongelap
program to allow examination of all people at Utirik, children at both
and Utirik and the people living at Bikini, officials argue that time and money
are not available. In 1974 when implementation of public law 5-52 was being

d
discussed, the program director argued that children should not be examine
not allow
not only because there was no need but also that time simply did

for it.

It fs stated that the experts who come on the March survey can be away

from their normal medical practices for only a short time
major limiting factor for the time that team can spent on
others as well as the people themselves do not feel that
sufficient reason not to give adequate health care. The

and that this is a
each island. ‘However,

lack of time is a
people have interpreted,

furthermore, the lack of time issue as a lack of interest and a distrust for
the program. To the Marshallese time is never a factor to consider if someone

truly wants to be with someone else - not only for friendship but for health
matters as well.

Philosophy of Program 1975-76
The medical survey program since June 1975 has shifted its emphasis.
Rather than convoying the message cf igseatch, it has tried w develop aiong
the lines of a general health care and maintenance program.

The newdirection

given to the program during this time was accomplished without added
expense, with improvement in health care, and still maintaining the research
data collection. People at all three islands have noted the change and

responded favorably and enthusiastically.

People nowfelt that they wanted

to come to see me and not that they were being forced to do so.

Their concern

about better total care has been appreciated and responded to by the resident
physician. At Utirik people have stated that it was the first time a doctor
from AEC has come interested in secing everyone on the island on an
equal basis, whether exposed or unexposed.
As the resident physician for the program during this time, I shared
the people's needs for health care rather than research. My specialty training
and interests are in the fields of family and community medicine. It is easy
for me to perceive the human side of medicine focusing on human feelings and
social needs than on the colder nature of research. As the physician surveying
the health of the people on each island, I recognized the needs and expanded
the program to include regular vaccination programs, family planning, and
contraception clinics, venereal disease clinics, well baby clinics, pre natal
care, general medical and minor surgery clinics. I was told on several occasions
that supplies for such clinics, particularly vaccine, birth control pills, pre
natal vitamins, oral hypoglycemics, should come frerm the Trust Territory and
not from Brookhaven, Brookhaven did provide limited supplies but felt any

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