From: PhilinLuv@aol.com

----- Original Message -----

From: Bobby Joe Kennedy
To: info@peerreview.org
Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2003 8:40 AM

Subject: Dr. Philip Leonard

I first met Dr. Philip Leonard in 1989. As a dermatologist, I frequently
needed the services of a consulting Neurologist; and upon a search for a
neurologist to evaluate my dear aunt, I found Dr. Leonard accessible and willing to help me at a time when no other Austin neurologists responded to my need.


My mother's sister had been diagnosed as having dementia, and her sisters
wanted my help in obtaining an evaluation to determine the actual nature of her
problem. I was new in Austin; and after searching for a neurologist to evaluate
her, I eventually found Dr. Leonard. He took the time to meet with her and
the sisters; and after examining her, he ordered several diagnostic tests,
ascertaining that she was suffering from early Alzheimer's disease. His diagnosis was absolutely correct, and my aunts were impressed with his diagnostic acumen and demeanor. Ultimately my aunt deteriorated in her mental status and then died two years ago. As a family, we were all thankful for Dr. Leonard's help in her proper diagnosis.


I began to consult Dr. Leonard on my other patients, and he likewise
consulted with me about his patients. What impressed me most about Dr. Leonard was his willingness to help those patients who were either on Medicaid or uninsured. Frequently he had patients who were uninsured and could not afford the services of a dermatologist. Dr. Leonard would telephone me, and the two of us would brainstorm attempting to diagnose and treat those particular patients. Many other times he sent patients to me that I was able to help. Over the years we have had numerous mutual patients, and I never detected any hint of impropriety in his relationship with those patients that I evaluated.


When I heard of the accusation against Dr. Leonard, I was aghast and
incredulous because I could not believe that any of those things had
happened. Although I have no direct evidence of the veracity of the accusation against Dr. Leonard, I can only say that in all of my dealings with him over the past 14 years there has never been any suggestion that he was anything other than an honest, trustworthy, caring physician who had the best interest of the patient at
heart.


Dr. Bobby Joe Kennedy
Dermatologist
05/31/03