More than a Doctor, a Teacher

When my doctor retired after 18 years, naturally I was concerned about starting over with Dr. Drew E. Maris, a new MDVIP physician. As a senior with multiple complex medical conditions, to put my life in the hands of Dr. Maris was a giant step into the unknown. One of my early encounters was following a broken wrist. In order to have much needed orthopedic surgery, It was required to have a complete preoperative physical. It was a Friday, the mandatory Covid test provider was late, a neighbor was driving me, racing on the freeway to get me to Dr. Maris. I needed a wheelchair. By the time I arrived at Dr. Maris's office it was late Friday afternoon. Dr. Maris and Teresa stayed late to wait for me, and completed the critical testing! I was throbbing in pain but immensely grateful.
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Over the months that followed when Dr. Maris checked the progress of my wrist recovery, in particular the increasing mobility and use of my fingers, he had an informed and knowledgeable touch. In my younger days I worked as an assistant to physical therapists, and I know a healing touch when I feel it.
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Subsequently, at one of my appointments I approached my doctor to discuss an unconventional topic for a typical doctor's appointment -- death. Seeing so many people in my Senior living community in decline, and die, I wanted to know Dr. Maris's views. Rather than avoid the topic he shared his views, and the light from a window behind him was streaming into the room. For me, it was a deeply meaningful conversation.
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With all the serious clinical issues (a kidney transplant, immunosuppression, SCC skin cancers, financial burdens impacting care, general indignities of aging) I also will share the lighter side. During a recent upper respiratory infection, clogged nose, throat, chest, malaise, I kept smelling maple. Being the (oft dreaded) googler that I am, I had read about disease processes that caused the maple smell in breath or body. Weak, miserable and achy in my own bed I had a Zoom appointment with Dr. Maris, I sheepishly reviewed my symptoms, and the maple smell. As he was discussing the latter with me, I got the strength to kneel next to the bed and discovered a maple yogurt container from days before that had slipped under the bed. I announced the find with great embarassment! Dr. Maris neither shamed me, nor did he make me feel stupid. I later photographed the container, and sent him a (humerous) email stating, "You cured me!"
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For all these reasons Dr. Maris is type of doctor who I want -- a doctor who is a teacher. Not by sounding pedantic, or arrogant, but a gifted physician and teacher who embodies humility.