ABOUT THE GENERAL MEDICINE CLINIC Welcome to THE NPTN GENERAL MEDICINE CLINIC. In this area, you will find a wealth of medical information. The purpose of this area is provide material for personal and community education. Although it may be tempting to use this medium for individual issues, do not rely on computer-based data to diagnose or treat medical conditions. The only safe way to take care of a medical problem is by direct consultation with a doctor. This area is staffed by several Medical Doctors from a variety of specialties. They will answer general medical questions as well as questions for specialties not currently being carried by the NPTN Clinic. All questions will be posted anonymously, so that no one can tell who wrote the question. This allows the questioner to ask about things that might be very personal without concerns about embarrassment. The NPTN CLINICS are staffed by volunteer experts in various locations throughout the world. Because these individuals have other full-time responsibilities, it may take several days for questions to be answered and posted. The material in this area is the sole property of the authors and or contributors as indicated by either their full name, partial name, and or e-mail address. The material is copyrighted as of the date of its submission by the author and or contributor to this special interest group ("SIG") area. Use (except for personal, one time use) of the material without the prior permission of the author or contributor is a violation of copyright law. Violators will be prosecuted and will have their access to this system terminated immediately. Use of this SIG demonstrates one's consent to the foregoing. All questions regarding copyright policy may be directed to the SIG moderator or to Peter F. Harter (pfh@nptn.org) for prompt consideration. In addition, it is important for all users to report the misconduct of another user with respect to copyright and all other rules and laws governing and or touching upon the operation of this SIG and or the system as a whole. Thank you for your cooperation in these matters. Specific questions concerning any area within THE NPTN CLINIC can be directed to the individual Clinic sysops or to the NPTN Medical Director, Richard E. Gans, M. D. (aa014@nptn.org)