I am going through a stage right now where several of my regular doctors are retired or retiring.  Most often, they are breaking the pact we made where they promised not to retire until I offered my approval – but let’s move on from there.

The net result is meeting new healthcare providers and the opportunity to compare and vet bedside manner.

I’ve noticed that sometimes I feel rushed and that is never a good sign.  In a first visit in particular, I appreciate a doctor who just seems to want to spend time getting to know me.  Me, not even my medical history, just me.

Most recently, one of my long-term providers retired and hands down, his bedside manner was the best.  In all the years, I always felt as if he knew me, not just my medical conditions.  He walked into every visit asking something about my family with a detail from our last visit.  If ever there has been a problem, he would call just to say “You ok? How are you doing?”

When he retired, I asked for a recommendation that would rival his style. I recently had a first visit with his recommendation.  This doctor’s style was so aligned with my retiring physician that I felt as I was in the room with a younger version of himself.   The answer, “he was my mentor, I learned what I know from him.” 

Yes, doctor, yes you did and good for you – and me too.