Running (and walking) the talk: 2009 Life Healthcare Medical 10.

To the Editor: Boyce Mkhize's rather verbose attempt 1 to refute Professor Van Niekerk's editorial 2 seems a classic case of the lady protesting too much. It does, however, unintentionally highlight a key issue that has puzzled me since I sent my first cheque off to the then SAMDC. The stated aim of the HPCSA is to protect the public and guide the profession. It is rarely seen to act out of concern for the best interests of the profession. Indeed, short of 'legitimising' the health professional, the purpose of the HPCSA has little concern for the welfare of the medical profession. In light of the statutory aims of the HPCSA, none of the above is surprising. What is surprising is that health professionals are required to pay for the continued existence of this body. My experience of the HPCSA, which Mkhize's letter in no way dispels, has invariably indicated an attitude of impolite and disrespectful arrogance. Our colleagues in the public sector have recently taken the first steps in reclaiming their rightful position. It would be quite within our power as a profession to follow suit and call the de-registering bluff of an organisation that has now clearly become our enemy. As a medical specialist I contribute a hefty R1 153 annual fee to the HPCSA. The very least it can do in return is to change its ethos to 'Guiding the public and protecting the profession'. To the Editor: This year's Medical 10 kilometre fun run/ walk will take place on Sunday 6 December from the Western Province Cricket Club Sports Complex, Newlands and around Rondebosch Common and Keurboom Park. It is a handicap event with half a minute extra allowed for each year of age over 40 and there will also be a designated category for walkers. The walkers and the oldest runner start at 06:30 with a cutoff of 90 minutes. It was started in 1978 to show that medical professionals practise what they preach to their patients about healthy lifestyle options. Last year there were 236 entrants, 25 of whom had also taken part in the first event in 1978. Life Healthcare were the main sponsors of 2008 and other sponsors included Pathcare, Tuft and Partners, Davies and Associates, Morton and Partners, Fedics, Mediguard, Pharmacare and New Balance. The winners were Francois Hofmeyr (male handicap), Cecil Read (male actual time) and Kim Laxton (female handicap …