The Good Doctor

“It’s the little things that matter to most people, and you have done so many little things for me that make me know you care about your patients. I am so grateful for the things you do. Thank you for being a wonderful doctor.”

A few years ago, I developed frozen shoulders. It started with first one shoulder, and very soon, my other shoulder froze too. As it happened in the gym, I was quite devastated.

Suddenly my life changed, I needed help to open buttons, even to pull down clothes over my head, and I felt very vulnerable. I hated the dependence on people for simple chores. The pain was quite unbearable too.

I was introduced, by a friend, to a physiotherapist who was renowned, highly qualified and worked in the same hospital as him. An orthopaedic doctor had suggested I go in for steroid injections or surgery, and this friend was sure I would get relief with mere physiotherapy.

Initially, I was sceptical, as I had been to a couple of physio’s earlier. I had also been to a chiropractor, and despite long, expensive treatment, there was barely any improvement.

Meeting Dr Om (name changed) for the first time remains etched in my memory. His goodness was writ all over him. Just talking to him had a calming influence on me.

He very patiently listened to my symptoms and explained the course of treatment. He assured me that in a couple of weeks, with regular treatment, the pain would diminish and the movement of my arms would be restored.

His confidence, qualifications and positive demeanour were reassuring. The sincerity of the doctor was so evident. He had a vast number of patients, who all demanded his time and expertise. He never seemed to get exhausted and would move from one patient to the other tirelessly. Even though he had a fleet of junior doctors, the patients would not be satisfied until they consulted him and were reassured by him that the doctors were following his advice. The day he decided to take off was disastrous as patients also chose to skip their appointments.

Over the years, I have spent a lot of time with Dr Om getting physiotherapy for various aches and pains. Every time I have a problem, I pick up the phone, confident that he will help and allay my fears.

Faith in the doctor is half the battle won. Friendship and trust that you are getting the best advice and treatment have made me confident that I have a doctor friend who will sort out all my problems.

Dr Om is as selfless as you can find who never seems to tire, and is committed to curing and learning. Since I have met him, he has enhanced his medical qualifications manifold. He now has a doctorate in his field and is highly respected and renowned.

His entire persona is never to give up, howsoever difficult the case. He has incredible patience and is willing to spend time on each of his patients, encouraging and motivating them.

His stories are endless, and my visits to the physio centre are more like social visits. We discuss everything, from politics, to what he aspires for his children, to his plans of expanding and training young aspiring physio’s to be dedicated and selfless healers.

His commitment to his patients often makes him neglect his own needs, family, and so often, he skips his meals to be available to his patients.

I often wonder how he manages his chain of clinics as he is not aggressive about earning money. However, he is very passionate and aspires to open clinics all over the country, providing world-class facilities and service to patients. To realise this dream, he works very hard, spending very little on himself.

He has a heart of gold. Despite his need to save to fulfil his aspirations, he refuses to charge the poor or people close to him, for therapy. He has amassed a lot of goodwill and blessings, which presumably gives him more happiness than money does.

Dr Om’s spirituality is so evident. The way he deals with his patients, his selflessness and willingness to devote his time, energy to the old and children suffering is exemplary. He can infuse positivity, tolerance and the desire to undergo long term treatment.

As a role model, he inspires his team to provide a happy and caring environment in his various clinics. Laughter, conversation and friendship is the ethos of his clinics.

You enter as a patient and exit a friend. Good doctors who are willing to lend you their ear become your confidante so quickly; they understand you, your threshold of pain and know how to help you overcome your fear and anxieties.

Their selflessness is exemplary, and to a patient, the doctor is the God he knows, needs and turns to, in need.

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr Om and all the doctors, as dedicated and selfless as him who walk that extra mile with their patients,

“Thank you so very much for taking care of me and being so skilled at what you do. Every day of my life will be better because of you.”