In my years as a family physician, I have always been clear about what I value most in my work—caring for the whole patient. I consider it a privilege to listen to a patient’s stories and create a meaningful connection that goes well beyond treating symptoms of illness. I believe that knowing patients in the context of their families and lifestyles, understanding what inspires and motivates them as well as what keeps them up at night, is what allows me to care for them in a comprehensive, and personalized way.
Over the years, time for patient care has been greatly diminished, replaced by the need to check boxes. Doctors are spending more time focusing on their computer screens than on the actual patient. I have continually witnessed my patient’s disappointment with a system focused on volume and speed rather than compassion and empathy. To me, this is simply unacceptable. I decided I wanted to make a change and wanted more quality time with each of my patients.
I believe that Concierge Medicine provides the solution we are all seeking. My practice enables me to give my patients the time and attention they need and deserve. Every visit allows for the time to address both immediate healthcare concerns and long-term prevention and wellness goals. You will be able to schedule appointments with me on the same or next day. After hours, I will be available when you need me. This is the way medicine should be practiced, and I am grateful to be able to offer my patients this level of care and commitment.
Whether you are a new patient or an old friend, I hope you will join me at my new concierge medical practice. Contact us today for more information.
In good health,
Larry Leibowitz, MD
For me, the most rewarding part of being a physician is the relationships that result from the day to day practice of medicine. Those relationships are what help me to know and understand my patients and their health needs in a truly holistic way. My goal has always been to keep my patients as healthy as possible, and when things go wrong (as unfortunately is sometimes beyond our best efforts) to diagnose them and get them back on the path to health and wellness as expeditiously as possible.
My decision to switch to a Concierge Medicine model was not an easy one, but I felt that factors outside of my control were increasingly interfering with my mission. After many years of serious consideration, I have come to recognize that the system of primary care in this country is fundamentally broken. I feel it is my mandate to offer patients the access and attention that they deserve and that simply cannot be accomplished in a traditional model in the current environment.
The goal in Concierge Medicine is to return to a time where the family doctor knows you and is available when you are ill - to develop the trust that allows for a therapeutic relationship. It is those relationships that lead to better outcomes and I am very excited to be able to care for my patients at the highest level.
I will leave you with my favorite quote from Sir William Osler:
“The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”
Be well,
Dana Murphy, M.D.