Dooley Noted: 1/17/2014
I’m quite used to being the last resort for most patients. They come to see me after they’ve tried everything else with limited success.
A patient gave me permission to write about what he told me yesterday.
Patient: “You know I only saw you because my wife made me come.”
Dooley: “But you’re here.”
Patient: “I said that to say I don’t know why you aren’t the first person everyone sees.”
This is why I have dedicated my life to teaching students and treating patients. I know the first resort must always be someone who makes you do work within yourself.
My patients are often discouraged by the standard system of care. Thousands of dollars in copays are spent, with no real education about why they can’t touch their toes, properly squat, pick up their shoes, or get out of bed properly.
It’s catastrophic. I’m not being dramatic. As a first resort, people are not being educated on how to stop hurting themselves.
I will dedicate every moment of my life to making sure I start inching away from being the last resort.
I will continue to educate and to lead by example.
I will maintain my pain-free lifestyle and help others get closer to their goals.
I will acknowledge that the first resort must always be in committing to improving yourself all day, every day – so that pain and dysfunction don’t rule life.
As for you? The resort you choose is, as always, your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley