Transitions

Recently, we saw a new mom whose husband works in the military and got re-assigned to a position in Virginia.  They had lived several years in another state and this young couple was now expecting their first child.  Mom was nearly due to deliver and she had never seen another obstetrician before.  Their stress of moving, preparing for their first child, and having to get to know a new doctor and hospital reminded me of the difficulty of transitions.

Even in Lynchburg, patients are often bounced around between private practices and our Health Center.  Sometimes it is their choice and sometimes not.  Either way, the doctor-patient relationship between a couple and an obstetric provider is a very personal, strong bond.  The stress of re-establishing that bond with a new doctor often makes a patient or couple seem frustrated, or even rude, but we know that being honest and calm about the transition is the best call.  After the fact, many people come back and thank us for being kind through their transition.  Don’t forget, the transition is as difficult for the provider too.  Having to quickly assimilate and process an unknown pregnancy and ensure the best outcome is just as stressful for a dedicated doctor.

In the end, we are all human and fallible.  Even providers may fail to meet the expectations of all patients.  As a Health Center we may not have the resources of a wealthy private practice, but we have great people with a passion for their special place in medicine.  If you have the time, get to know your local Health Department, Federally Qualified Health Center, or other subsidized medical provider.  If you meet the staff and see what they do with the little they are given, I’m sure you will thank them for the service they provide their community…