Letter to the Editor: Common courtesy?
BY Pat Shaffer, Tulsa
Monday, December 03, 2012
12/03/12 at 2:52 AM
This is a little off the beaten path but I would like to know what other people's opinion would be on this: When you have gone to one doctor for years, it would seem that he/she could at least send a sympathy card to the family when a patient dies. I, personally, would appreciate it to think he/she had some sympathy - especially if the patient's spouse had always accompanied the patient on the visits to the doctor.
My husband had three doctors in his last seven years, who he at least had to see annually, and one who he saw from one to four times a year.
I personally notified each doctor's office when my husband died. The receptionist of course offered her condolences, which I am sure was taught to them as they prepared for the position of receptionist.
I know they are not supposed to get too personally involved with patients, but I think it should be common courtesy to send a card to the family. It kind of makes you feel like they think, "Well, there's one patient I won't have to deal with anymore."
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