Weighing Tried and True vs. Convenience in Care

Recap: Naomi Green has used Dr. Shot as her primary care physician for decades, respects her professionalism and enjoys her demeanor. Dr. Shot recently decreased her hours, however, and her office is not centrally located.

A new doctor, Dr. Pain, recently opened a practice right in the heart of the Jewish community. Should Naomi make the switch or remain loyal to a doctor who has served her devotedly for years?

Careful Deliberation Key

I admire your steadfastness and adherence; those are both good qualities. However, moderation is always the best path, don’t you agree?

My suggestion is to take some time to carefully consider the situation from all angles. Deliberation over medical care should not revolve around a question of loyalty. Your concern should be finding the best practitioner who can give you optimal care.

Is Dr. Shot still providing the care you need, in light of her diminished hours? Do you hesitate to make an appointment because of the lengthy commute?

Perhaps a consultation with Dr. Pain is an excellent way to figure out your dilemma. As you mentioned, a bedside manner that jibes with your personality is paramount to you.

Your concerns with giving Dr. Shot a poor impression of Jews are certainly valid, but I don’t feel they should weigh in regarding this situation.

May the best doctor win!

— Bernie W., M.D.

P.S. My office is quite a distance away from the central Jewish community, so please don’t worry about my feelings!

Keep On Schlepping

Dr. Shot has watched you grow from a young mother into a grandmother. If I were you, I wouldn’t trade that in.

There is something special about someone who has known you for years, something you can’t trade in for convenience’s sake.

As you mentioned in a somewhat humorous vein, losing your dry cleaner and TCBY were traumatic experiences. How much more challenging it would be to lose someone with whom you have a much more intimate and significant relationship.

Unless Dr. Shot is no longer capable of caring for your needs, I say keep on schlepping.

— Melanie Gresack

Maintain Meaningful Relationships

These days, everyone rides the fast train. Life is all about speed, dashing from one task to the next.

Who has time to make a phone call when you can simply text a message? Oh, texting isn’t quick enough? WhatsApp is even more efficient; try it!

Even Thanksgiving, a singular event when families actually sit down together for a yearly celebration, has diminished drastically. Who has time to eat a big meal together and spend hours — gasp — just talking and enjoying each other?

Black Friday starts on Thursday, so come on, y’all! Mustn’t neglect priorities now.

You have a relationship with Dr. Shot that spans years. Are you ready to discard that because of the time you’ll save on the commute?

A doctor who has served you with dedication has earned your patronage.

— Josh A.

Choose Convenience; You Deserve It

If Dr. Pain suits your needs, I say make the switch.

I’m a single mom who struggles to capture a few minutes to call my own. Life is sending the kids to school, racing to work, coming home from work, making dinner, overseeing homework and the bedtime routine, cleaning up, and finally crashing into bed — only to resume the same marathon the next day.

Who has time to worry about divided loyalties? If you follow through on your letter idea to express your appreciation, then I don’t even hear your question. Of course you need to choose the doctor who is a qualified professional but won’t take up so much of your valuable time.

Enjoy the few minutes you save — maybe open a book during that time.

— Suzie Long

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