History -
Tales from Today's PHAs
First Case - from Jack
Spencer
June 1965 Mecklenburg County,
N. C.
Jack Spencer received a call
to do a darkfield (test for syphilis) in a private physician's
office. Nothing like a fresh lesion to stir the investigative juices
of a brand new PHA. As Jack arrived at the office, he was met by an
apologetic physician who expressed great sorrow at having made Jack
come out on a wild goose chase. He was sure that the person did not
have syphilis, but the lesion was suspicious. As Jack prepared for
the hunt, he soon discovered that the patient was...a 91 year old
female. And, as it turned out, she was positive. Yep, primary
syphilis. Jack Spencer's first interview, a hot 91 year old primary.
Well, Jack summoned all of his training experience and asked old
Mamie, "Mamie, uhhh, do you still get a round a little?'"
And Mamie energetically replied, "dang tootin, sonny."
Well, Mamie's only "recent" contact was 75 year old,
Harold. And Harold named a much younger 65 year old filly...
Needless to say, from that day on, with Jack Spencer on the job, the
geriatric community of Mecklenburg County was safe from the ravages
of syphilis... Oh yes, there hasn't been a P&S case in this age
group since.
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