The Very Good Doctor

The woman had been my patient for years, a happy, married mother of two.

But something about her seemed different when she came in for an annual exam at the ob-gyn clinic where I practice.

I expected her usual sunny hello. Instead she looked nervous.

“How’re you doing?” I asked. Her story poured out. Both she and her husband had lost their jobs. They had no insurance. She’d talked her way past the receptionist, too embarrassed to admit her situation in the waiting room.

In the 16 years I’d worked at the clinic I’d seen recessions. But nothing like this. Many patients had the same story. Appointments were cancelled, treatment declined.

As a doctor I was concerned—skipping preventive exams can lead to far more serious issues. As a human I was appalled. It wasn’t right that an economic downturn should cost people their health.

I did what felt like the right thing. “Don’t worry,” I said to my patient. “We’ll take care of you. No charge for the exam today. I’m glad you’re here.”

Her face flooded with relief. I felt lighter too. I hadn’t realized how much watching our patients struggle had weighed on me. I made a vow: We’re going to help these people.

I talked to the other doctors and nurse practitioners in the clinic. We agreed. Patients would get annual exams and screenings regardless of ability to pay.

We talked to labs we work with and got them to donate or lower the price of services. We e-mailed patients and put up posters at the front desk about the offer.

Many people have taken us up on it. We make it discreet. Our patients are so grateful. We’ve even gotten thank-you letters. That’s only part of the reward.

Everyone in the practice feels good about what we’re doing. We work harder and happier because of it.

In that sense this recession is making doctors out of all of us, showing us we can all help care for one another.

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Read more stories about neighbors helping each other out in:

Sharing the Harvest

Job One

Road Pals

One Last Stop