Coma

Nelson. “The cases I’ve mentioned have been indicated with yellow ink.

You’ll see that there is no mistake. Besides, this represents only coma cases for the last year. I don’t know what the incidence was before then, and I think it would be essential to get a year-by-year printout. In that way one could have a better idea if this problem is static or on a dynamic upswing. And perhaps even more important, or at least equally important, I have a feeling that a number of sudden deaths here at the Memorial could be ascribed to the same unknown category. I believe the computer could help on that as well. Anyway, it is for these reasons that I wanted to speak with you. I was wondering if you would support me on this endeavor. What I need is full clearance to use the computer and the opportunity to get the hospital charts on these patients. I came to you because I have an intuitive feeling that it represents some sort of unknown medical problem.”

With her case presented, Susan allowed herself to sit back into the chair. She felt she had put the matter fairly and completely; if Dr.

Nelson was going to be interested, he certainly had enough to go on to make up his mind.

Dr. Nelson did not speak right away. Instead he continued to regard Susan; then he studied the printout, taking short, quick puffs on his pipe.

“This is all very interesting information, young lady. Of course I have been aware of the problem. However, there are other implications in these statistics and I can assure you that this apparent high incidence is occurring because ... well, frankly ... we have been lucky over the last five or six years that we haven’t had any such cases. Statistics have a way of catching up with you, though ... and indeed that seems to be the case at present. As to your request, I’m afraid I’m not in a position to grant it.

You undoubtedly understand one of the major impediments to our establishing our central computer information bank was the creation of adequate safeguards concerning the confidentiality of most of the information stored. It is impossible for me to give blanket authorization.

In fact, this type of endeavor is really ... what should I say ... hmm ...

beyond ... or above that which a medical student of your level is equipped to deal with. I think it would be in everyone’s best interest, yours included, if you would limit your research interests to more scientific projects. I’m certain I could find room for you in our liver lab, if you were interested.”

Susan was so accustomed to academic encouragement that she was totally caught off guard by Dr. Nelson’s negative response to her investigation. Not only was he not interested, but he was obviously trying to talk Susan out of the project as well.

Susan hesitated, then stood up.

“Thank you very much for the offer. But I’ve just gotten so involved with this study that I think I’ll follow it up for a while.”

“Suit yourself, Miss Wheeler. But I’m sorry; I cannot help you.”

“Thank you for your time,” said Susan, reaching out for her computer printout.

“I’m afraid this information cannot be made available for you any longer,” said Dr. Nelson interposing his hand between Susan’s and the IBM sheet.

Susan kept her hand extended for a second of indecision. Once again Dr. Nelson had caught her off guard with an unexpected response. It seemed absurd that he would actually have the gall to confiscate material she already had.

Susan did not say another word and she avoided looking at Dr. Nelson.

She got her things together and left. Dr. Nelson instantly picked up the telephone and placed a call.

Tuesday, February 24, 10:48 A.M.

In Dr. Harris’s office there was an entire bookcase full of the latest books on anesthesiology, some still in prepublication bound galleys, sent for his endorsement. For Susan this was a boon, and her eyes scanned the titles for any books specifically on complications. She located one, and she wrote down the title and publisher. Next she looked for any general texts which she had not seen in the library. And her eyes registered another find: Coma: Pathophysiological Basis of Clinical States. Excitedly she withdrew the volume and thumbed through it, noticing the chapter headings. She wished she had had the book at the onset of her reading.

The door to the office opened and Susan looked up to face Dr. Robert Harris for the second time. Instantly she felt a certain sense of intimidation or scorn as Dr. Harris regarded her without the slightest sign of recognition or friendliness. It had not been Susan’s idea to wait for him in his office; it had been the direct order of the secretary who had arranged the meeting for Susan. Now Susan felt an uneasiness, as if she were an interloper in Dr. Harris’s private sanctum. The fact that she was holding one of his books made it that much worse.