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Judith Ruskay Rabinor's avatar

great poem.... about the next chapter of life- which involves doctor shopping the organ recital and tales about grandchildren...when you are lucky like us!

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Sandra Butler's avatar

Oh Esther, I love this piece and that longing to recreate what going to the doctor once meant--- and felt like. I too, after several unsuccessful attempts here in Tucson, have found just the guy. He has a solo practice, is curious, interested and interesting, available, and so kind. Now, at 87, being held by a PCP who I admire, trust, and can lean into is a great gift.

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Hillel Schenker's avatar

Well, we in Israel are fortunate to have the remnants of socialized medicine. Doctors and specialists are very accessible, and everyone has it, with very low-priced medicine available at each branch's pharmacy. My doctor in recent years from my neighborhood clinic is Dr. Anatoly Kaboris, I suppose from Russia or Ukraine, never asked him. He keeps reminding me not to forget how old I am, and I should take that into consideration. He was also Etty's doctor, but they got into a huge argument when he recommended that she put some cinnamon into her tea, she put in too much and vomited. She accused him of trying to poison her (I'm sure she misunderstood him) and transferred to Dr. Thomas who was born in England. And when I felt a pain in my lower back after bending down to pick something up, he sent me to what's known as the Complimentary Medical System of our public health clinic. I was interviewed by a doctor about my symptoms and he referred me one week to an Indian acupuncture specialist ("I remember you from 10 years ago" he said) and the following week to a wonderful Shiatsu specialist, a student of Chinese medicine who interviewed me about my life-style before giving me a thorough Shiatsu body massage, all at a very reasonable price.

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Marcia Richman's avatar

OneMedical is the worst.

No older adult truly needs more than one primary physician and maybe. at most, 2-3 "specialists."

Ear was cleared a couple or three times times a year. Vision/optho exam. Toe nails cut.

Too many docs equals too many meds and too much noise, not enough quality of life.

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Roni Fuller's avatar

Lovely recollections. Made me think of some of my own doctors who have been central to life. Three became close friends. Two of those three were married. The third (married to a professor of Japanese culture at Cornell) was very close and a help when my wife was dying. Another (my urologist) was married to the obstetrician who delivered my third child. Getting the right physician is sometimes difficult, but the good ones are out there, and as I look forward (more or less) to my 87th birthday next month, I find many good memories.

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Nelsonsdad's avatar

New York has resources, many great resources, but navigating them appears to be a unique challenge you're well-equipped to handle.

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Norma B.'s avatar

Oh, how I wish I could find someone like your doctor! I long for the days when the doctor was in the neighborhood, his office attached to his home. I remember as a kid going there any time of day or night for stitches--no emergency rooms or urgent care, just a family doctor. And I hate that the doctor, as she listens, focuses on her screen and types. Ugh! She's the 5th one I've been to in the 22 years living in my current location. So far the most compatible but still...

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Esther Cohen's avatar

Yes. So difficult

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