I know it bothers Alice when patients leave for another doctor. Frankly, it bothers me too. But here in NYC people switch all the time at the drop of a hat, so once you begin to realize that its easier to accept. Having other patients that have been with you for years helps too.
This is the single hardest thing for me to handle in medicine. They don't teach it in medical school. Maybe part of it is my own pride. But, it is true. Our office goes out of the way for our patients. The hardest part is not knowing why. I really despise doctor shoppers.
