I’m a bit of an introvert.  I recharge with alone time and I do best in small-group settings.  Maybe that’s why I love the one-on-one interactions that I have with my patients.  Put me in a crowded conference room or a busy house-party and I don’t feel like myself, but put me in a treatment room with a patient and I’m all in.

The conversation with a patient is a delicate balance; technically speaking, my “job” is to conduct a detailed history and physical examination and come up with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.  But I think it’s more than that.  I think a big part of my job is to learn about you, to gain your trust, to build a rapport.  You see, that’s the part I really love.  I like to know what you’ve been up to on the weekend, what your kid’s names are, what makes you tick.  I like to learn about your work, your exercise routine, your opinion on the Raptor’s game.  And I like to learn those things not because they’ll affect your treatment outcomes (*** but they will, more on that later***), but because I’m genuinely curious to know the answers.

Maybe it’s the same reason that memoirs and autobiographies are my favourite genre of book to read.  Simply put, I love to hear people’s stories.  I love to learn about how you got to be the person you are- where you’ve lived, where you work, why you’re here.  I love to hear your perspective, your opinions, your voice.

My mom has often said that my Grandpa was always so “interested” in those around him.  I think I’ve got that gene too.  If I ask you how you are, believe me, I’m genuinely curious to know.

And as for patient outcomes?  Yes, I believe that a better relationship with your practitioner will lead to better treatment outcomes.  I believe it, because I see it happen every day.  This website serves as my open book for you to get to know me; that’s always been my theory and the very reason that I started this blog back in 2012.  I want you to know me, know my stories, know my world, because I think that starts our relationship.  And inside the treatment room, well, that’s my chance to get to know you.

The Hippocratic oath says “first, do no harm.”  Ha.  We can do better than that, can’t we?