Dear Dr. Ryan,
I was so grateful for all that you did for my mother, Carol Bonde, yesterday, that I felt compelled to write a note to thank you.
I just finished reading Atul Gawande’s book, Being Mortal, and I think the stories in that wonderful book heightened my awareness of how important doctors can be in improving and maintaining quality of life for us as we age or face significant illness. Doctors can also steer us wrong or fail to provide us wise counsel or understanding.
I so appreciated your approach with my mother. I saw you demonstrate gracious listening; empathy, compassion, and warmth; respect for her dignity and clear, practical, and thorough communication about her condition and potential alleviation of her symptoms.
Thanks, too, for going the extra mile to talk with Carmen S. right away and give us the notes of our visit.
Mom is feeling a little better so far, and we’ll hope that upward slope continues at full speed.
May you find continued success in your career of helping people maintain and improve their enjoyment of an active life.
