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Physicians Group Gains Support

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By MARINELLA MOZZICATO, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 23, 2008

USF CAMPUS - It was nearly 50 years ago that Physicians for Social Responsibility first helped find traces of radioactive waste in children's teeth as a result of atmospheric nuclear testing.

The result was the Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963, which recognized the impact of nuclear weapons testing on public health.

"That's what really got the organization energized and brought it together," said Lynnette Ringenberg, a pediatrician in Tampa.

Now, Ringenberg and Donald Mellman, a neurosurgeon in Tampa, have formed PSR Tampa Bay, the first chapter in Florida, after discovering more than 1,500 registered PSR members in the state.

"We had all these people with similar values but no chapter close by," said Mellman, co-director of PSR Tampa Bay.

The chapter will hold its first event at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health, where Stephen Kinzer, author of "All the Shah's Men," will be speaking about diplomacy with Iran.

Ringenberg, a member of PSR for six years and a professor in USF's department of pediatrics for 16 years, said the chapter's main goal is to educate people about the dangers of nuclear war and climate change. The group is based out of an office in downtown Tampa.

Although PSR was founded by doctors, Ringenberg said only a third of the 32,400 members in the nation are physicians.

"The remainders are health professionals and citizens concerned about the same issues," Ringenberg said. "You don't have to be a doctor to join."

Ringenberg said it won't be long before a student PSR is established, as well.

Once a student chapter is established, Ringenberg said, medical students will be able to focus on ways to improve the environment on campus, such as installing energy-saving light bulbs in new and existing buildings.

For information about Physicians for Social Responsibility, visit www.psr.org.

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