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Sarah Sheppard's avatar

While I agree with this— providers should know more about their patients, especially as it relates to social drivers of health, in order to provide the best care, but how would you go about having these conversations if your doctor isn’t asking you questions, is short on time, and doesn’t seem interested in getting to know you as an individual?

This type of dialogue is just not realistic for most patients within the healthcare system that exists today.

I go to an ObGyn office where all the doctors know my mother (a former RN), and I know this fact alone has afforded me better care than other patients, but even still, I have had my concerns dismissed, I have had to advocate for myself and my health, and I have felt overlooked.

I think we have a long way to go, but my hope is that we will continue to change the structure that prevents providers from spending quality time with patients and build more reliable systems and processes that support personalized, holistic care.

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John Horwitz's avatar

Three months ago I left Raleigh North Carolina, moving to Richmond Virginia to be closer to my daughter. During the last visit with my primary we talked of the progress over the thirteen years I had seen him.

He took the time to ask the important questions and advocated for my rights as a patient, never once showing anything but respect for decisions we made together. Always answering MyChart questions, there was never a topic left unresolved.

He spoke often with my cardiologist who worked at a different hospital, their care for me as a person not a patient was apparent from their hand shakes at every appointment to the smiles as I left.

At my last appointment he said he would see me in 24 years to celebrate my 100th birthday. I told him that I'd cook the meal and he would have to bring a 36 year old Macallan. We hugged before saying good bye.

Your writing is heartfelt and you are a gift.

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