On 7 january 1964, i was asked by Dr. Ralph Boots to see, in consultation, former President Herbert C. Hoover, who was suffering with gastrointestinal complaints. President Hoover had requested the consultation in writing. The request is in my possession. It is written in pencil on plain white stationery in Mr. Hoover's own hand. It reads as follows:

The reasons for my selection as the consultant were not entirely clear to me, for all of the previous consultants had been chosen from the staff of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. I had left that institution after completing twenty-five years of service in 1962 to found and direct the Upjohn Gastrointestinal Service at the Roosevelt Hospital. I was well known to Dr. Boots, Dr. Schullinger, Dr. St. John, and Dr. John Lattimer, the doctors involved in President Hoover's care. Dr. Boots, the physician in charge, was rather skeptical that anyone could help Mr. Hoover and was quite blunt in telling me this while we were riding in the elevator to the Waldorf Towers, Apartment 31A, occupied by Mr. Hoover.

The consultation was quite formal and was held in the living room of the spacious apartment occupied by President Hoover as a residence and office for many years. We were surrounded by items recalling some of Mr. Hoover's great contributions to public life and also much personal memorabilia. A lovely oil portrait of his deceased wife graced one wall adding elegance and charm to the room. Two cupboards housing her priceless collection of Chinese porcelain occupied key corners. In the southeast corner of the room was Mr. Hoover's desk where much of his writing was done. There was a fireplace in the wall that contained artificial logs and coals. Over the mantlepiece were numerous testimonials of honors rendered and tributes paid to this great man.