5 Apr
0
When you embark on any medical journey, you will find there are many physicians who excel in their technical knowledge and skill. But what makes a truly great physician? In my opinion, it is compassion — a skill that is not found in medical journals or taught in medical school.
I first became interested in becoming a doctor when I was just 9 years old. I saw firsthand how comforted my parents were by a very warm, tender family doctor making house calls many times a week for my grandparents Sonia and Joseph, who were terminally ill and living in our home in 1958 and 1959. My parents had tremendous respect and appreciation for this most compassionate, caring physician … even though medically there was little he could do. This left quite an impression. I was really touched by how he cared for all — patients and family members.
Couples experiencing infertility are often very frustrated, stressed and depressed by their situation. They often feel hopeless during their journey. To me, the most important quality of an excellent infertility doctor is not just the clinical skills — the technology to achieve a pregnancy — but treating the individuals with attention, respect and compassion. Trying to always be available/accessible and a good listener is the key to caring for people. Of course, patients who get pregnant may have great things to say about you, but isn't it really more about how they feel about you as their doctor and the care you provide, whether they successfully get pregnant or not?
For the past 12 years, I have been consistently recognized as one of "America's Top Doctors" (infertility top 1 percent). This is an honor that is bestowed by Castle-Connolly, from ratings by thousands of surveys from doctors and nurses.
However, I must say that I was really humbled and touched when I received a recent award from Patient's Choice and Vitals.com. I was named as a recipient of the 2012 Most Compassionate Doctor Certification (top 3 percent nationwide) based on patients’ reviews and comments!
Having devoted my entire adult life to providing excellent patient care, it is hard to put into words just how good that made me feel. I do know, however, that compassion is an integral part of being a truly great physician. Compassion is the key.
I first became interested in becoming a doctor when I was just 9 years old. I saw firsthand how comforted my parents were by a very warm, tender family doctor making house calls many times a week for my grandparents Sonia and Joseph, who were terminally ill and living in our home in 1958 and 1959. My parents had tremendous respect and appreciation for this most compassionate, caring physician … even though medically there was little he could do. This left quite an impression. I was really touched by how he cared for all — patients and family members.
Couples experiencing infertility are often very frustrated, stressed and depressed by their situation. They often feel hopeless during their journey. To me, the most important quality of an excellent infertility doctor is not just the clinical skills — the technology to achieve a pregnancy — but treating the individuals with attention, respect and compassion. Trying to always be available/accessible and a good listener is the key to caring for people. Of course, patients who get pregnant may have great things to say about you, but isn't it really more about how they feel about you as their doctor and the care you provide, whether they successfully get pregnant or not?
For the past 12 years, I have been consistently recognized as one of "America's Top Doctors" (infertility top 1 percent). This is an honor that is bestowed by Castle-Connolly, from ratings by thousands of surveys from doctors and nurses.
However, I must say that I was really humbled and touched when I received a recent award from Patient's Choice and Vitals.com. I was named as a recipient of the 2012 Most Compassionate Doctor Certification (top 3 percent nationwide) based on patients’ reviews and comments!
Having devoted my entire adult life to providing excellent patient care, it is hard to put into words just how good that made me feel. I do know, however, that compassion is an integral part of being a truly great physician. Compassion is the key.
