Dr. Litman holding the awards.

SAN RAMON, Calif. – September 19, 2006 — The Ask the Doctor television program received two Telly Awards in the recent 27th annual national competition. The show has received 16
Telly Awards in nine years.

A live, phone-in community educational TV program, Ask the Doctor, a cable television show is co-sponsored by San Ramon Regional Medical Center and Contra Costa County Health Services.

Recognized for their work and dedication are Robert Litman, M.D., host and medical commentator for the series, and Jane Roberts-MacArt, producer. Dr. Litman is a family medicine specialist and charter member of the National Association of Physician Broadcasters. Both people are on staff at San Ramon Regional Medical Center.

Two episodes of Ask the Doctor received Telly Awards this year:

• The episode on “Heart Health” received a Bronze Award. The guest was Christopher Wulff, M.D., and a cardiologist on staff at San Ramon Regional Medical Center.
• The episode on “Teen Health & Addictions” received a Bronze Award. The guests were Suresh Sachdeva, M.D., and Cynthia Hann, M.D., both pediatricians on staff at San Ramon Regional Medical Center.

Founded in 1980, the Telly Awards showcase and recognize outstanding non-network programming, cable TV commercials, film, and video productions. The hospital's program was among more than 12,000 entries judged this year.

Ask the Doctor has aired for 10 years. The show airs live the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Contra Costa Television (CCTV), which airs on Comcast Channel 27 in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and nearly all areas in Contra Costa County. Comcast subscribers in Walnut Creek can watch Ask the Doctor on Channel 19, and Astound Cable subscribers in Walnut Creek and Concord can watch the show on Channel 32.

Approximately 7 to 10 percent of the Telly Award entrants receive Silver Awards, and approximately 18 to 25 percent receive Bronze Awards. Competitors in past competition included clients such as Discovery Health Channel, Walt Disney, and Universal Studios Network.

For the program schedule and list of additional channels airing Ask the Doctor, visit www.sanramonmedctr.com. The live call-in number is 925. 313.1181 or fax to 925.313.1185.