Dr. Orville Stone

I was saddened to hear of the tragic death of Dr. Orville Stone and additionally saddened to hear the allegations of fraudulent tissue-switching to change a diagnosis from benign to malignant (“O.C. Doctor Listed as Suicide Was Target of Fraud Probe,” Dec. 10). Based on my knowledge of Dr. Stone’s character, I doubt those charges. This matter can and should be cleared quickly. There are a variety of tissue antigens (including blood type and HLA antigens), as well as DNA fingerprinting (that could prove or disprove the charges). If his employees’ allegations are true, so be it. If false, they must bear the guilt of false witness.

DONALD R. STEELE, MD

Newport Beach