BLACKWATER FEVER

Ganucci had been at the top of his residency class and was groomed by the chief of his infectious disease department for either an academic position in a major university medical center, or an entry-level position at the National Institutes of Health in Washington DC. Ganucci’s chief was quite candid with him.

“Al, the competition for an NIH position is much harder than for a university academic position. I do, however, have a connection at NIH who might be able to highlight your application as being most desirable.”

“NIH is my preference. My goal is to eventually get into the CDC and virtually no physician gets a plum appointment to the CDC without NIH credentials.” Ganucci leaned forward in eager anticipation.

“One of the hard facts of life as I know you understand Al, is the importance of financial incentives. My connection in DC can guarantee you a firm placement at NIH with a proper discrete monetary gift.”

“How much is proper?” Ganucci had no hesitation.

“Fifty-thousand dollars.”

“The NIH appointments are reviewed in eight-weeks. How much time do I have to gather this incentive?” Ganucci stood up.

“I can make my phone call today if you can promise some front money in three-weeks.” The chief of infectious diseases stood up and walked Ganucci to the door.

“Make your phone call.” Ganucci left the office with a sense of resolve. He had long known about money changing hands at government levels for federal positions and favors. He would go forward with his idea for getting his good friend and colleague Bergan Krantz to verify the stock information he heard from his delirious malaria patient. If Krantz gives the okay he could then intercede with the insider trading possibility.