The Refill
As Jill and I prepare for our long-awaited road trip, with my last day in the office to be Wednesday March 23, I am reminded of a vacation some years ago and a phone call from the office.
(First phone call)
Office nurse: Mr Jones ran out of his carvedilol for blood pressure. OK to refill til you return?
Me: -Fine.
(Second phone call.)\
The pharmacy says you're giving it every 8 hours and it should be every 12 hours.
- No, nurse, experience has shown that it wears off in 8 hours in Mr Jones' case. Tell the pharmacy to fill it as written.
(Third phone call)
The pharmacy called back and based on how many pills Mr Jones got three months ago, he's not taking all his pills.
- That's how Mr Jones does it. Just tell them to fill it.
Maybe we should tell Mr Jones to find a new doctor.
- No, nurse, I don't think that would change the way he takes his pills. Better he is getting some blood pressure medication, albeit imperfectly, than none at all.
In case you are wondering if I am upset with Mr Jones, I positively appreciate that he comes to me for care. I don't know the details of his typical day, and it does no one any good to judge him.
And the same with a doctor. None of us gets through the hundreds of thousands of patient visits in a career without discovering their limitations, often plain and in the open for all to see. Yet you put your trust in me, which makes it difficult for me not to have a sympathetic view of everyone.
Being a human is complicated. It can be tough for me sometimes, and it can be tough for you. Doctoring is a form of parenthood-it can't help but soften you up. So Mr Jones, if you're reading this, don't worry. We're gonna be ok.
New Receptionist and Website
Jill's availability to fill in as our receptionist has come to an end. We welcome I-Kwoan Harrison, who you can read more about on our http://www.RienstraClinic.com new website.
Reviews
Last month I asked for your help with buffing up our internet attractiveness by writing a review, with many gratifying responses. Those of you who generously helped, please excuse my lack of a written thank you, and also accept my great appreciation here. A doctor is nothing without patients, and I suppose that's what keeps me from retiring. Thank you!