From: Herrera Family Date: 17 Jul 2003 To whom it may concern: In 1995, my mother experienced a traumatic head injury at work. After passing months, she began to experience symptoms related to head injury. Throughout the year, we visited numerous doctors attempting to diagnose and treat her problem, but were unsuccessful. During doctor's visits, most physicians indicated that there was nothing wrong with my mom, instructing her to return to work. As instructed, she returned to work, only to begin a long and catastrophic journey, which finally ended her career with the State Agency of Texas Department of Public Safety. As reality set in, my mom was out of work due to illness, we were referred by legal counsel, to Dr. Phillip Joseph Leonard, a longtime resident in the field of Neurology. We explained our dilemma, emphasizing our position and outlining past results with other physicians. Being in the field numerous years, Dr. Leonard made an assessment, asked intelligent questions, annotating his opinion before submitting my mom to further testing. Once an assessment was made, only then did he submit my mom to MRI and EEG testing. The testing finally vindicated my mom, making the discovery of internal head damage caused by her fall. Although there was great relief with the findings, a new challenge was placed before us, treating my mom for life. Dr. Leonard was passionate in attempting to resolve most of my mother's health problems. The success was not without its merits caused by new medicine and side affects imposed on my mom's infrastructure. Dr. Leonard was a master in this area. During each visit, he made critical assessments, asking related questions about the meds, making adjustments as needed until my mom was able to stabilize her illness within reason. In addition to medicine, Dr. Leonard also submitted Mom to the Austin Neurological Clinic for Neuropsychology for therapy. This therapy has assisted my mom and our family in coping with her illness. For those who have never experienced a catastrophic head injury, no words can explain the challenges and pitfalls bestowed before you and your family, both emotionally and financially. In addition, finding a qualified compassionate physician who is passionate about his work, is an even bigger challenge. The odds of finding a great doctor who cares about his patient's health are far worst then trying to win the Texas Lottery. In today's society, filled with bottom line financial numbers imposed by insurance carriers and medical adjusters, it becomes a test of wills to determine what a human's life is worth. Dr. Leonard has excelled in this arena, exemplifying his care and understanding for all his Patients. He has clearly demonstrated time and time again what a true doctor should be. Both Mom and I were clearly reminded of what we lost, when Dr. Leonard was suspended from his Practice. My mom was running out of medicine, but was unable to get her prescriptions refilled due to the suspension. On any normal day, it was no big deal. We would call Dr. Leonard and he would expeditiously submit the orders to have my mother's medicine refilled without delay. With these issues at hand, we were unsuccessful on many levels. We could not get the required medication and physician treatment as dictated by insurance related guidelines. This dilemma spawned another major event, the changing of doctors in order to obtain the medicine as directed by the insurance agency. As with any insurance coverage, in order to receive treatment, your discount co-payment and premiums, the guidelines dictate that the acting physician be a current member in good standing with his certification. As a result, we were forced to temporarily change physicians. Both Mom and I were quick to indicate to the new Neurologist that the change would only be temporary until Dr. Leonard could be reinstated. My mother had to recall her past history to the new doctor, reliving the entire process, done many years ago. For any healthy person without a head injury, this would not be an issue, but for my mother it was a very traumatic scene. I found myself attempting to assist her, feeling overwhelmed with the entire process as well. We both discovered how well Dr. Leonard treated us. His absence of missing him has created a void in our lives. On September 11, I was in the Washington area, in close proximity to the Pentagon. Throughout the day's events, we all discovered a lot about who we are as a country, as individuals, and our families. As you know, it was a very chaotic day, being attacked, loss of life and not understanding the entire ramifications of the event. To this day, we continue to struggle with the aftermath that follows. It was a very scary and frightening time, knowing that your life, your professional and family values are all at stake. I can only imagine the same process and feeling when one's occupation and integrity are challenged. Over the years Dr. Leonard provided care to my mother, there was never any sign of misconduct, just common medical professionalism. I am aware that Medical Board must take action deem necessary to insure the patient's safety, but should also consider the good a medical professional has given to society as well. My family and I would like to thank Dr. Leonard for all his support and guidance over the years and wish him "God's Speed" in all his endeavors. We hope and trust that an amicable resolution can be obtained, exonerating him from his suspension. Best Wishes, Herrera Family