Nassau University Medical Center handed several of its doctors walking papers Tuesday, which came as a surprise to the physicians and their patients. Seven full-time physicians at the hospital and one part-time doctor, who works at a community health clinic, have been told as of January 20 their services will no longer be required. Nassau County?s financially strapped hospital says it's part of an aggressive plan to break even in 2006. One of the physicians, Dr. Michele Seitz, of Lynbrook, says she feels the layoffs are a personal assault to dedicated professionals. There could be more physician layoffs in the future. In order to meet 2006 budget requirements, the hospital's president says he needs to reduce doctor expenses by more than $2.5 million.Related articleAnother round of layoffs set to take place at Nassau University Medical Center