Photo: Need a brilliant breast surgeon referral - here he is: Dr E.Okay - so I know I've spoken a number of times on how my surgeon is a great doctor. Well, I just saw him for my last visit today and I'm so very impressed and so he gets to have his very own posting.
It's kinda funny, as I'm the sort of person who goes around saying "I don't do doctors". Meaning I only go to see them if I really have to. Either the mandatory "annual" or I'm very sick.
So it's good to meet a doc who has sort of blown apart my "Doctor Myth". Well, this might be one of those times not to generalize. Like all lawyers are... or all teachers are.... etc. etc. (Generalizing is not in any ones best interest most of the time, anyway).
So, guess what. Doctors, lawyers, people et al are individuals! So, sorry to the doctors who I have not seen as humans, I mean, individuals(!).
Yeah, so Dr E. is a great guy! I was rather taken back at first, I thought how can a doctor be so connected and compassionate. Aren't these folks meant to be worried about transference and keeping an arms length distance. Instead, this guy gives seriously sweet huggs, is emotionally "there", genuinely caring and kind and what do we want in all guys.... he's also sensitive. Wow.
This is all done within a very professional setting. He is meticulous, I have observed, in all areas of the art of medicine. His medical assistant always gives the "vital signs once over" with each visit. And they always knock on the door before entering, a very nice polite and professional courtesy.
And the whole surgery deal, well, with my extensive research I know I got a technically brilliant breast surgeon. I could have chosen any surgeon I pretty much wanted (saw two more in San Fransisco). I was very fortunate to be referred to Dr E. as my first doctor consult, and who just happened to be here in Sonoma County!
His concern for your well being is paramount. As he once said, "The patient comes first". He is obviously dealing, repeatedly, with some very serious and life threatening diagnoses. Breast cancer is a very unpredictable disease and is also striking at such a vulnerable and sensitive area of our bodies.
So, on these two counts I would think this would be a more challenging medicine speciality to practice. And to be a guy dealing with all these women being given potentially life shattering news. Phew! Intense and deeply emotionally stuff. Ask me about it! ;)
But, however, he does it. And does it with authentic compassion and love.
My sweet husband even said " If I was a doctor that is how I would like to be" (and Ron is not easy to please being a doctors son, himself!).
And might I say I consider him a true healer. My understanding of holistic healing would include an allopathic doctor of this caliber.
I have been reading a wonderful book "Kitchen Table Wisdom" by Naomi Rachel Remen. This author is also a M.D. She talks a lot about the nature of doctors, patients and our relationship to emotions and psychological stuff. This is a gem of a book. I highly recommend it. It's been out a while (1996). But really excellent insights in to many areas of us humans. I mention it as she explores the Dr:patient relationship and the nature of healing interactions between the two of them.
Thank You Dr E! You are a seriously great doctor and I am one of the lucky ones to be one of your patients. And, yes, if any us women had a choice we would rather not have surgery. But, hey, if its gonna happen then you're the surgeon we'd chose.
Keep doing your magic to help women to heal and live long lives.
And, most importantly, remember, don't forget to take care of yourself !!
Much love and huge huggs,
Joby
P.S. And thanks for answering all our many questions!
