Between October 4, 2005 and June 2007, I did not see a GP as I had decided to leave this GP and I was looking for a new one. I had several doctors retire and transfer my case to other physicians. I had great hope for this one. Unfortunately, the next one was just as bad . . . if not worse.

July 17, 2007

Dear Dr. ______

I wanted to write to you to explain why I have moved to another doctor. My first appointment with you was February 20, 2004 and the last one October 4, 2005. Two of my previous family doctors had closed their practices and I was committed to supporting women doctors.

In the summer of 2005 my father was very ill with esophageal cancer and died seven weeks after his diagnosis. While you were in China, my family dealt with his palliative care, his death, his funeral and his personal and professional business.

The last time we met, I was uncomfortable with our conversation. I had been called back for further testing after a mammogram. As I tried to explain the confusion with follow-up appointments to you and my dissatisfaction with the situation, I felt judged, unheard and unsupported.

I had also experienced unusual facial numbness in September which had resolved by early October. You told me that I should cancel the appointment with the neurologist so that he could see people who needed to be seen. I was scheduled to see him the next day. Your comment made me feel devalued. I decided to go anyway because I know that the onset of progressive neurological conditions can be subtle.

As I am currently entering an early menopause and inevitably getting older, I want to have a supportive partnership with my doctor. That day I realized that it wasn’t going to be you.

I do understand the stresses of running a business as well as the challenges in the health care system. These are the same reasons I left it behind. I also hope that you consider that your patients may also be under complex stressful situations and it is important to create a safe place where it’s okay to be vulnerable.

Thank you for continuing to provide quality care to members of our community. I wish you well in your practice.