The BDN’s recent article, “Dearth of rheumatologists in Maine puts state’s aging population at risk,” reveals a concern for the adequate ongoing treatment of arthritis patients in our area. The article itself, while focusing on that concern, briefly mentions a distinguished honor received by Dr. Sidney Block that I feel may have been lost on those readers who just skimmed the article.

As a longtime patient of Dr. Block’s, I am proud of the recognition he received as a “Master of the American College of Rheumatology.” As noted in the article (and according to the ACR Web site), this distinction can only be “conferred on ACR members, age 65 or older, who have made outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievement and-or service to their patients, students, and profession.”

Dr. Block is “only” 65 – the youngest age possible to receive this recognition. It sounds as if the American College of Rheumatology has just been waiting for him to be old enough. We may not have many rheumatologists in the state, but Bangor is blessed to have a rheumatologist of the caliber of Dr. Sidney Block.

Sarah M. Menkin

Plymouth