One of the advantages of having a six year old (and a four year old) is that they teach us, or at least remind us, of what is important. David, our six year old, was at the office one morning with me when a lady called whom I have frequently seen on a house-call basis, since it is very difficult for her to leave her home.
The night before, I had been at a meeting until very late and only had a few hours of sleep. Our schedule that day was very "tight" I was going to take David to kindergarten, and then immediately return to the clinic and not leave until 10 hours later when my day ended.
My assistant took the call and told the older lady that my schedule was very busy, however, I would call her if I had the opportunity to go to her home. My assistant then told me this and David immediately spoke up and said: "Daddy, if we hurry you can see the lady and still get me to school, it will make her happy."
In those few moments, a kindergartener reminded my office and myself of what the public expects of us, or at the least how they would like us to be. Since they see us as unusually capable people, we have the capacity to do what David and I did that day: adjust our schedules, move a little faster, get to the patient's house, provide her treatment and still meet our other responsibilities.
Moreover, our other responsibility is to "make them happy." While I am not saying that we have to be the next "Patch Adams," we can make hundreds or thousands of people in our community "happy" by improving their health and ability to fully participate in life, and by showing them a level of respect, courtesy and consideration that is often overlooked.This is especially meaningful coming from a successful professional.
It is very easy to be isolated given the individuality of our practices and the large number of hours that most of us work. We must strive, however, to make what we do compatible with what the public wants from us. From my experience, this will not only create a successful and strong practice, but will be compatible with the lifestyle that is often enjoyed because of such success. This compatibility in the minds of our patients will result in greater understanding when we do make an error, rather than an opportunity for filing a malpractice suit or complaint with a regulatory agency.
Thanks to "Little David", we did our best to help an elderly homebound lady feel a little better physically and emotionally.
It is very satisfying that my young son expects a house call to be made when a patient calls, even if it is not always convenient. As long as he and his four-year-old sister periodically remind me of what is truly important, this should not change.
David R. Hepler,DC,DABCI
Lincoln, Illinois
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