Availability, Dependability, Knowledge, and Application of that Knowledge

This note is from my both wife, Elfriede, and me. We were lucky to get a recommendation from a good friend when we had to change Family Doctor a few years ago. Our interview with Dr. Gil was confirmation of both his approach to medical deliver and his diagnostic knowledge that underpinned that delivery. Dr. Gil has always been available to us within the next 24 hours if it was necessary, the next 1-2 days if not urgent.

My wife, Elfriede is also of course a patient and shares this input. She had a "hallmark event" with Dr. Gil that is especially memorable for us. At some point, she was diagnosed by Dr. Gil as having a potential hernia developing. As it was some time at the beginning of COVID, he suggested she and I help being his eyes at home to be aware of any problems, and wait until end of COVID to have the hernia repaired, if necessary. He showed us how to monitor, etc. the situation and encouraged us to call office if any change at all. Plus he monitored it at annual Wellness Exams.

At a point about 2+ years ago, the hernia became noticeable during the day and we contacted Dr. Gil. He had us on the way to the office immediately, and when he couldn't reposition and suppress the hernia, said "go to the Hospital Emergency now and check in for surgery today". It was only 1/2 mile from Dr.'s office.

That was about 1:00 PM and she was operated on at 8:30. As in the "late COVID" period, I was send home with the assurance of the surgeon that he would call me immediately after surgery. True to his word, we got a call that all was well and she could go home next morning. About 1/2 hour later we got another call and of course it was Dr. Gill checking up on my wife!

So, to the title above, it is surely appropriate to add the word Empathy to Dr. Gil's scorecard!

-Ev and Friedel Merritt