November 2, 2016 5:00 am
NaBloPoMo 2016, Letters to Pateints, Day 2
To Those Who Disdain Primary Care:
Maybe you don’t know what you’re missing.
“I don’t need a doctor, I never get sick.” And yet, optimum health means so much more than the absence of illness. I am called to steward your health as a whole person. I value the chance to know you as such. I seek to understand your temperament, your history, your past experiences, and how they influence your current perceptions and choices. That is how I help you optimize your health—by reflecting your own patterns back to you, so you may determine how they serve you, and when they need updating.
So often our daily routines take the path of least resistance, like spring runoff tumbling inevitably downhill between the rocks and shrub roots of a mountainside. Without attention and navigation, topsoil erodes and the landscape can get disorganized, unstable. But with some intention and guidance, we can channel your energy and activities toward the mighty river of health. There your strengths and motivation preserve the ecosystem that is your best you, for the long journey of life.
As a general internist, I have the privilege of getting the first call when something takes you down. I get to hear the story first, to initiate the investigation. If I know you already, I can apply history and context in the most personalized way. Together we can examine and understand the mudslide triggers (there’s almost always at least one). We can make an appropriate plan to slow the erosion, and then rebuild. With each episode, our tools sharpen. We become a team.
I relish the chance to help you dig deeper into your own capacities for self-care. Each encounter is an opportunity to share and connect, in service of your long term health. I want you to live not just to be an old man or woman, but a STRONG old man or woman.
But to do that, I need to know you starting now. I need to connect with you early and often, in good times and bad. It’s a relationship like any other. I can’t help unless I see, hear, and understand. There is no substitute for time and contact. So think about it. I’m here to help.
Posted by Catherine Cheng, MD
Categories: Health, medicine, NaBloPoMo, personal growth, physician, relationship, Uncategorized
Tags: health, NaBloPoMo, personal growth, physician, primary care, relationship
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Wow, will you move to the Detroit area? I’d sign up as a patient! 🙂
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By Mark on November 2, 2016 at 5:24 am
Haha, thanks, Mark! Happy Wednesday! 😊
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By Catherine Cheng, MD on November 2, 2016 at 6:09 am
Great piece, Cathy. I read this and think about the number of times per day I hear, “My new primary care doctor is (name) because my insurance changed.” Sometimes followed by, “And it’s changing again next year because we have to switch to (another carrier) in January.” Ugh, these things frustrate me beyond words. Keep up the good fight!
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By Lisa Heuer on November 2, 2016 at 11:31 am
Hi Lisa!
Thanks for your comment. *sigh*
I know, the system is fatally flawed in so many ways… More on that later! 😉
Thanks as always for your support, friend. So grateful to know you! 😊❤️
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By Catherine Cheng, MD on November 2, 2016 at 11:44 am
Beautiful!!
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By Kathy on November 2, 2016 at 12:49 pm
Thank you! 🙂
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By Catherine Cheng, MD on November 2, 2016 at 1:20 pm
I love the spring runoff metaphor. This is a great idea for a writing challenge. So sorry I’m coming to this late. I’ve been going offline every evening after work since the days have been so draining. Looking forward to catching up your posts!
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By Nancy of Practically Wise on November 11, 2016 at 6:49 pm
Welcome back, Nancy! You never need apologize for being away. We are connected regardless. 😉 Hope you can get some rest this weekend. 🙂
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By Catherine Cheng, MD on November 11, 2016 at 6:58 pm