[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7992] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO DR. RAYMUNDO D. TALABAN ______ HON. JO ANN EMERSON of missouri in the house of representatives Thursday, April 29, 1999 Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Raymundo D. Talaban who is retiring from Madison Medical Center after 28 years of dedicated service to the medically under served people of southern Missouri. Dr. Talaban is a doctor of medicine, (an accomplishment that earns accolades by itself), but more importantly he is a doctor in a part of my District which typifies rural America. Some may have a hard time understanding the problems with health care access in rural America. Mr. Speaker, in southern Missouri there are only three health care professionals for every 100 people, and the average hospital is located anywhere from 35 minutes to two hours away from the next hospital. Many times people must take time from work and drive hours to the nearest hospital to receive what other people would consider a routine procedure or checkup. So you see, in this part of America, Dr. Talaban is not just another doctor, he is one of a few who brings care and attention to many. Dr. Talaban's wife, Nenita, has proudly shared with me some of the her husband's wonderful accomplishments. I would have to say that Dr. Talaban's most outstanding achievement must be his family, including his three daughters: Caroline, Catherine, Andrea and his three grandchildren. I'm sure they realize what a wonderful father and grandfather they have, a role model and a man who spent the entirety of his life helping others. Dr. Talaban received his medical degree from Far Eastern University Medical School in Manilla, Phillippines. Before he came to Madison Medical Center, Dr. Talaban worked at Missouri Baptist Hospital and St. Louis State Hospital. The folks of southern Missouri were lucky enough to have him come on board at Madison Medical Center in 1971. There Dr. Talaban held two prestigious positions as Vice Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery. He not only established a record of outstanding care, but also a history on unfailing compassion. Dr. Talaban also found time to volunteer his services to the American Red Cross and advisor to the American Cancer Society. His membership in many prestigious groups including the Philippine Medical Society of Greater St. Louis, the American Medical Society, The American Society of Abdominal Surgeons, the Missouri State Medical Society, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society enhanced his ability to give quality health care to the people of Madison County. Dr. Talaban, I want to thank you for dedicating your life to helping others. Although we all will be sorry to see you leave Madison Medical Center, we hope that you will heartily enjoy the years of your retirement. My thoughts are with you, Dr. Talaban, as you, your family and friends come together to celebrate all the important years that you dedicated to our community. You had a very positive impact on peoples' lives in rural southern Missouri, and we will never forget your dedication and service to our community. ____________________