Head of Cleveland Clinic Is Attacking Big Mac

Washington Post ^ | 12/15/2004 | Ceci Connolly

[Born Conservative]

CLEVELAND -- The Pizza Hut is shuttered, its neon sign collecting dust on the floor. But knocking down the Golden Arches has proved far more difficult for Toby Cosgrove, the new head of the Cleveland Clinic.

A heart surgeon who has cleaned out a career's worth of clogged arteries, Cosgrove didn't think Big Macs, supersize fries and inch-thick, six-cheese pizzas belonged in the lobby of a hospital renowned for its cardiac care. So he decreed the fast-food joints had to go.

Pizza Hut went quietly. But McDonald's, halfway through a 20-year lease, has refused to shut down a franchise that serves 12,000 doctors, nurses, janitors, secretaries, patients and visitors each week.

"Our menu is something we're all proud of," said Marty Ranft, a McDonald's vice president. "We've got a great relationship with the Cleveland Clinic. We are not interested in closing" the restaurant.

In the struggle against obesity, Americans are losing. And among the favorite targets for blame are fast-food chains such as McDonald's. Studies show that consuming large portions of high-fat, salty, sugar-laden foods has helped create a nation in which 64 percent of people are overweight or obese. They often land here at the Cleveland Clinic seeking treatment for diabetes, strokes, heart failure and crippling joint pain.

[Petronski]

There are plenty of low-fat alternatives on the McDonalds menu.

[MarkL]

It would be cool if McDonalds would sub-let to Hardees. Have them sell a few Monster Burgers!

Mark

[Nataku X]

It's not overeating, it's underexercising. In the 19th century the minumum recommended number of calories was 3000. If that food is such a concern to patients, then give the obese patients a red unbreakable wrist ribbon. If you've got a red ribbon, you can't buy McDonald's.

Besides, the hospital gift shops have all kinds of chips and candy. A burger with cheese, meat, onion, ketchup, pickle has to be more healthy than a bag of M&M's.

[Graybeard58]

McDonalds should be outlawed because they have crappy food and that's playiong loosely with the word food.

[prairiebreeze]

He suggested a financial settlement is in the offing.

Un huh. Paging John Edwards.

[Nataku X]

There are no Hardee's around here. I miss their Frisco burgers & breakfast sandwiches... and the Monster Burger looks yummy. LOL

[zeebee]

People don't get fat at McDonalds. They get fat eating all night in front of the TV.

[mtbopfuyn]

Good for McD! I'm sure Ronald has more lawyers than the clinic and can wait them out.

[massgopguy]

Roll out the kids who stay at the Ronald McDonald House and have them ask the Doc why he's kicking them out.

[hchutch]

He's f***ing with McDonald's?

Nice to see Mickey D's standing up to the food nazi. I might have to eat there more often. Here's hoping they outlast the guy.

[John O]

Head of Cleveland Clinic Is Attacking Big Mac

If he attacks too many of those, especially with supersized fries and large shakes, he may need to check into his own clinic. Hasn't the guy ever heard of moderation.

It's so sad to see a doctor become a glutton

[Gay State Conservative]

I'll bet you dollars to donuts (no pun intended) that
75%+ of the physicians on the staff at the Cleveland Clinic
have a large portion of their portfolios in McDonalds.

[LibertarianX]

Although I understand the point of health concerns, the hypocrisy of this issue is mind boggling.
As McDonalds has so rightly pointed out, they are not the only ones on the Clinic premise who serve high calorie and fat laden choices. There is also a hotel on the premises, with several bars, that also caters to many meetings and seminars the Clinic has for local and out of state doctors and professionals. At these meetings you will find soda served, high fat pastries, deep fried foods.. you name it. The Clinic is the official developer of this hotel property, and gets a percentage of the profits from their operations.

The real issue here is egocentric individuals who thrive on becoming embroiled in hot-button issues that provide their media and public relations departments with plenty of free media exposure. It is all meant and designed as high profile posturing to put themselves in the public eye. The people truly behind the statements issued on national TV and the press only really care about advancing their personal career... it just becomes another blurb for their bloated and BS laden resume.

[Born Conservative]

All one has to do is visit a luncheon at a doctor's office/clinic that is sponsored by a drug rep. Plenty sugar-laden foods by the rep from a diabetes drug rep, cheesesteak stromboli brought in by the rep for a cholesterol med, etc. Yes, there is a lot of hipocrisy in the medical profession. My view on the McDonald's issue is Libertarian; if people want to buy their food, let them buy it. It's a free country.