Few things move faster and change more significantly than the modern medical landscape. The tools we use today to treat illness and disease can soon become obsolete. Every innovation is an important step in the pursuit of real progress.

Scientists and researchers live a life filled with discovery. In this era of improving technologies and research protocols dedicated to improving health care, we will see genuine progress within our lifetime.

Yet many challenges still await us. According to 2004 data from the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is still the No.1 killer in the United States (accounting for 1 out of every 2.8 deaths). Cancer is a phenomenon that is likely to effect more lives as people live longer. In addition, obesity rates continue to climb, resulting in a series of health complications that affect our patients at a younger age than ever before.

Every new challenge, however, presents us with a new goal. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, if all major forms of cardiovascular disease were eliminated, the average life span would increase by seven years. If we were rid of all forms of cancer, that number would increase by another three years.

Watson Clinic remains committed to fulfilling the promises of tomorrow, while staying true to the standards that have made us the medical establishment of choice since 1941 for patients throughout and beyond Polk County.

These are standards exemplified by our continuous response to the needs of our community, by our investments in the latest medical talents and tools, and by our commitment to delivering compassionate, personalized care to every patient we treat. In short, our desire is to set the standard for healthcare excellence in our community.

Our own researchers and physicians will continue to investigate the latest breakthroughs in clinical trials and cancer research. We will maintain our relationship with the world-renowned H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in implementing a global research data base for “Total Cancer Care”, one of the most ambitious research projects ever attempted in the fight against cancer.

We will never falter in our response to the demands of our growing community, as evidenced by our upcoming 13th location (see previous page), which will house the next generation of services in the fields of dermatology, otolaryngology, pathology and much more.

Yours in good health,

Louis S. Saco, M.D.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Watson Clinic LLP