Sam has contributed greatly to the community with his comprehensive knowledge of the history and culture of the island. I audited his course about the CNMI at NMC and always felt that other physicians and nurses would have benefited from the perspective that the course provided.
When I uncovered an unrecognized teen suicide epidemic on the island some years ago, Sam was among the first people I consulted and his insights were helpful.
Later, in 2003, when I was given the Governor’s Humanities Award for this work by the Humanities Council, I truly regarded Sam as having been among those deserving the award since his insights helped myself and others to implement a successful intervention program.
NMC should reconsider this decision to terminate his contract. It is a disservice not just to him but also to his students and the community of the Northern Mariana Islands.
ANTHONY ANDREW
BOTTONE, M.D.
Tacoma, Washington
