Sir

In the article entitled “Merger of top Californian medical schools turns sour”, Dalton's suggestions that “the crisis is pitting physicians against basic science researchers” and that “Some basic scientists have even argued that clinical programmes aren't needed” are pure fantasy, as is the headline referring to the fictitious merger of the schools.

Merger of the schools has never been discussed, only merger of the hospitals, and we have not heard any of our basic science colleagues advocate the ludicrous notion of our medical school abandoning its clinical programmes.

Indeed, we basic scientists have been brought together with our clinical colleagues in coping with the national crisis in funding for health care by institutions such as UCSF that are dedicated to the care of all patients, rich and poor, as well as to the creation of knowledge. Our current planning for the future of disease-related research reflects this fusion of interests and experience.