My name is Bruce Barrett. You performed two surgeries on me for separate and unrelated hernias over the past six months, and I want to take a minute to write to thank you for your excellent care.
For better or worse, I have become an unintentional connoisseur of surgeons recently, having undergone four other procedures over the past five years for conditions unrelated to the hernia repairs, so I have a pretty good idea of how different surgeons do what they do; while I’ve been fortunate to have had excellent surgeons, your work and care stood out from all the others for many reasons.
First, you personally saw me through the entire process, from my initial examination through my post- operative follow-ups. Because of that, I felt that you were completely familiar with my situation and as a result, would be able to produce the best possible surgical outcome, which was the case. Also, because any surgery produces at least a little anxiety in a patient, close contact between the surgeon and the patient is a powerful confidence builder and anxiety reducer for the patient. None of my other surgeons established and maintained this kind of long-term contact with me.
Second, you performed the surgery yourself, my surgical procedures weren’t training situations. While I understand that new surgeons need to train somehow, we patients select surgeons because of their own particular training, skills, and experience, not because of who trains under them.
Most important, my surgeries went extremely well. I experienced surprisingly little discomfort, and recovery time was amazingly short. I was able to resume normal activities much sooner than I expected. Everything went exactly the way you said it would…no surprises!
You were straightforward, clear, and absolutely honest about all aspects of my care. You gave me clear explanations about everything from the surgical procedures to the cost of services. I appreciated knowing exactly what was going on at all times.
Also, I found you to be extremely friendly, caring, and respectful in everything you did. While those are probably bonus characteristics to find in a surgeon, they were great bonuses for me. Every service you provided to me reflected those values, and I deeply appreciate that.
Finally, everyone I came into contact with at your office also reflected those same values. The folks working with you were kind, compassionate, accurate, and incredibly helpful. I wish I could thank each of them personally.
Thank you so much, doctor! Please know that this patient noticed and appreciated not only the outstanding care but also the many careful and thoughtful ways you structured your practice. It is clear that providing excellent care to patients is your highest priority.
Bruce Barrett, Ph.D.