In North Idaho, Kootenai Health Heart Center is the only large hospital patients where people can go for the significant heart problems that smaller hospitals are not equipped to handle.

It was therefore a shock to me when I read the recent guest opinion in the Bonner County Daily Bee by the director of surgical services at that facility, Dr. Robert J. Burnett. In a snarky, condescending tone he vilified our state representative, Heather Scott, and Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler for their opinions on the statewide coronavirus shutdown which he “and all of [his] co-workers” do not share.

But he didn’t stop there. His tirade continued by suggesting that he and his like-minded coworkers would be fine with withholding appropriate care to them should they be admitted to the hospital with the coronavirus, including the use of a ventilator.

Dr. Burnett is certainly entitled to his opinion, but he is not entitled to violate his Hippocratic oath. His letter drips with sarcasm and arrogance and makes current and future patients wonder if their personal opinions, political affiliations, or free speech rights may cause them to become a coronavirus death statistic should they fall into his or his co-workers’ hands.

This physician is a disgrace to the institution and his profession and needs to be held accountable. A thorough look at his demeanor is warranted. North Idaho residents do not deserve abuse from a health care provider to whom they entrust themselves.

KATHY BEARD

Sandpoint