It is with great sadness that this message has to exist, but in light of the tragic events that took place in Tucson, Arizona on January 8, 2011; the Maricopa County Medical Society Board, its membership and employees felt the need to convey their heartfelt gratitude to all the physicians and medical personnel who have unselfishly given so much of themselves to care for the wounded and their families.

The following letter sent to Pima County Medical Society and University Medical Center expresses our support and hope for everyone involved in the recent shooting:

"On behalf of the Maricopa County Medical Society, its physician members and all the physicians of Maricopa County, we would like to express our sorrow, hopes, and sincerest gratitude and appreciation for the physicians and medical personnel in Tucson and at the University Medical Center that were called upon in the recent tragedy.

From the onset of these events, the physicians of Tucson represented the profession with the highest levels of dignity, organization and professionalism that exemplifies the essence of being a physician.

The Board of Directors of the Maricopa County Medical Society would like to thank you and all the physicians of Tucson for their extraordinary efforts in the preservation of the lives affected by the shooting. The subsequent communications from the physicians, medical facilities and personnel to the media and public were delicate, professional and compassionate.

The manner in which all of the physicians and medical staff performed their duties in the midst of chaos and tragedy made us all proud to be physicians."

Sincerely,

Nathan Laufer, MD
President, Maricopa County Medical Society