I am an internal medicine physician in Nashville, Tennessee. In my 30 years of experience, I have learned that people desire two things in a doctor – diagnostic acumen and kindness. Either, without the other, undermines the mutual trust of the physician-patient relationship.

Diagnostic acumen means the ability to listen and analyze the symptoms a person is having. Sometimes, the diagnosis is clear. Sometimes, we wait together for another clue. But we eventually arrive at a diagnosis or find resolution with reassurance. I believe a good physician is a good listener and sees the history as a story that holds the clues to discovering the problem. 

Kindness is another important quality. In kindness, a bond is formed, trust matures and the physician and patient can move forward together. The patient is confident that the physician cares. As with competent diagnostic acumen, from kindness comes trust.

My favorite quote is from Dr. Francis Peabody, “The secret to the care of the patient is caring for the patient”. 

That is why, I am affiliated with MDVIP. I want the time to truly care for my patients. It has been said that you can cure disease or heal people. I choose to do my best to help heal people. In order to prolong my calling, I believe a smaller practice provides the opportunity to practice more personally and proactively and to continue to learn and mature from the friends for whom I care. 

To summarize my philosophy of medical practice: Listen to the patient. Maintain diagnostic skills. Show kindness and concern. Love people where they are in life – no judgment. As my dad used to say. “People will remember what you said for a few minutes, but they will remember how you loved them for a lifetime." I may not be perfect. But, I care.