Separating work from beliefs

The question I have with regard to Bush's nominee for Surgeon General, Dr. James Holsinger, is whether he can separate his beliefs from his responsibilities as Surgeon General. Sure, he seems to hate gays. But what about this

Phyllis Nash, who worked under Holsinger for nine years as vice chancellor at the medical center, said the views he took in church appear at odds with his professional actions.

She recalled a women's health conference that Holsinger helped organize in 2002 that included a session on lesbian health. Despite complaints from some lawmakers, Holsinger insisted the session go forward, she said.

Looking behind some of the charges made against Holsinger - such as he was responsible for unnecessary deaths at VA hospitals - one finds them to be a twisting of the facts. Apparently Holsinger has been a reasonably competent person, perhaps more so than most Bush appointees. Whether he can compartmentalize his professional life and leave his anti-gay bias at the door is the question.