To my fellow physicians..
The most wonderful part (of my terminating practice) was unexpected. I mentioned our offering "exit exams" to those who felt they needed it. By in large these are medically unnecessary... the next provider could really look at our last comprehensive exam, which we do yearly and in which we summarize all current problems, and get what they need.... but a lot of patients felt they needed this. For the most part, they did not need it for any medical reason... they needed it to come say "goodbye" and thank us for what we have done. It has been an amazing, moving experience, like being alive at your own wake. People bring us presents. We cry together (and I am not a terribly sentimental guy). We hug. They send us cards... lots and lots of cards... telling us how much we meant to them.
I am convinced that it is not because we were such amazing physicians. We are good doctors, we try to do good and cost effective medicine, we treat our patients with care and respect.... but no more so than any other good physician. I think they were honoring us as a symbol of what we all do, that we care for those that are vulnerable, that we earn their trust, that we do our best for them. So, for that reason, I want to share that thanks with all of you. Corporate America and the government would have you believe that what is important is about meeting certain metrics, or specific standards. Like "No Child Left Behind" this is an exercise put together by accountants and actuaries, and others with small minds, to try to quantify what is truly important. They may rule the money, but they rule neither reality nor the ethics to which we have promised our lives. In the midst of all the bullshit of Meaningful use, and whether NewCropScreens is working, or anything else that irritates your day, try to remember that what you do is terribly important. And appreciated.
| 
