By Marion D. Thorpe, Jr
M.D., M.P.H
Feb. 9, 2010

Editor’s Note: We at the Chronicle always try to give the facts to our readers. Mr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. is running for Florida U.S. Senate.

We would like to know what you think. dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

 

SOAP is a common acronym in Medicine. Whether you are on your 33rd hour of a 36 hour shift or whether you are discussing cutting-edge treatment protocols with Doctors from other parts of the country, SOAP is an easy to remember mnemonic that helps Doctors maintain clinical consistency.

By applying this same common sense approach to Washington, DC, I will bring helpful and earnest solutions to the US Senate.

S stands for Subjective. In clinical terms, this is the portion of the Patient exam that allows Doctors to focus on the Patient’s specific complaints.

A Doctor’s good listening skills will always help the overall treatment of the Patient. As for DC, listening to my constituents will surely help to improve the overall well-being of Floridians and Americans. Categorically, I pledge to listen to your societal ailments.

O stands for Objective. In clinical terms, this parameter pertains to clinical findings regarding the Patient. Blood Pressure readings, Glucose levels, and Chest X-Rays are all examples of such measures.

As for DC, gauging the problems that face Floridians and Americans will help determine the need for emergent solutions and/or long-range planning as I fight to protect the US Constitution and American Dream.

Partisan slants and media spin have no place in this process; however, cold hard facts are welcome.

A is for Assessment. In clinical terms, this portion of the acronym helps Doctors create a Differential Diagnosis. By gathering all available Subjective and Objective information, a list of probable causes and solutions can be weighed.

As for DC, this approach greatly ensures problem resolution while limiting recurrence of the same problem(s) over time.

Plain and simple, proper assessment of the many issues impacting Florida and America is long overdue.

P is for Plan. In clinical terms, this endpoint culminates in prescribed actions that will improve the Patient’s quality of life. Medications, alterations in dietary intake, improvements in physical fitness, and surgical intervention are examples of proper treatment protocols that emanate from the SOAP thought-process.

As for DC, the proper plan of action is a vitally important component of problem resolution. I pledge to find Common Sense solutions for Floridians and Americans by implementing the four SOAP tenets (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) on a daily basis.

As the former Chief Medical Officer of the State of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, I have an extremely workable and achievable 14-point plan to logically and methodically solve the Health Care crisis that has deadlocked our Congress and caused extreme national controversy for months on end.

I look forward to sharing my plan with you.