Well said, Sarah. Wonder how we could go about bringing this about? 
Joyce Weems
Pathology Manager
Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta


	-----Original Message-----
	From:	Sarah Christo [SMTP:schristo@cvm.tamu.edu]
	Sent:	Tuesday, July 04, 2000 5:12 PM
	To:	HistoNet@Pathology.swmed.edu
	Subject:	More Than a Gut Feeling

	Dear Netters,
	   I think a more constructive discussion around the tragedy of the
murder of Dr. Haggitt would revolve around the subject of mental illness in
the workplace.  I recently went through a period of time dealing with the
"co-worker from Hell" syndrome that actually we believe involved some form
of mental illness.
	   I was fortunate enough to attend Vincent Speranza's workshop in
Providence which dealt with how to avoid hiring the wrong person.  I highly
recommend that workshop for anyone who is in the position of hiring people.
The workshop discussed interviewing questions and follow up questions that
are used to bring out the true person during the interview process.
	  I find it quite confusing in the health profession (and the
country in general) that mental illness is not taken as seriously as a
physical illness.  Someone could be physically handicapped and still
function on the job where someone mentally handicapped may look very
professional but be very dysfunctional on the job.  And mental problems
effect co-workers and your work team to a much greater extent.
	  If the turnout at Vinnie's workshop was any indication (it was
packed), I think far too many of us have had these sad experiences on the
job.   
	  In sympathy,  Sarah

	Sarah Christo, HT (ASCP)
	Research Associate, Histology Lab
	Texas A&M University
	College of Veterinary Medicine
	Dept. of Vet Anatomy & Public Health
	College Station, TX  77843-4458
	phone: (979) 845-3177
	fax:  (979) 458-3499