Patient Loyalty to their Doctors

A few days before preparing this post, I greeted a patient who was about to undergo her 5^th colonoscopy. I was the pilot for the 4 prior excursions. “You should’ve signed up for the rewards program,” I quipped. “This one would’ve been free!” Our patients, with rare exceptions, enjoy our light atmosphere seasoned with some humor. This does not detract from our seriousness of purpose and commitment to their welfare, and they know it. Our endoscopy team is comprised of outstanding medical professionals.

I care for many patients for whom I have performed all of their colonoscopies, which may exceed 10 procedures. I recently performed an examination on one of my colitis patients who has unique findings which have remained stable for years. I know his colon as well as I know his face! Indeed, if I were shown a photo of his colon, I would immediately be able to name the individual. So, when we gastroenterologists claim that we know our patients inside and out, we mean it.

I am honored that so many of my patients want me to continue to serve as their proceduralist. For rationale reasons, they have been asking me if my retirement is imminent as they are hoping to time their final colonoscopy prior to that departure date. While I have no plans to hang up the scope, many of my patients will, of course, be transitioning to another gastroenterologist at some point. I’ve certainly inherited many patients from colleagues who have retired.

No one wants to give up their own baseball glove.

Am I simply the best colonoscopist around? Is my technique peerless? Is my diagnostic accuracy a role model in the field? None of the above.

Over time, patients get comfortable with their physicians. I think that when a procedure is involved, particularly one that will be repeated, that a special bond of trust is formed.

Think of it this way. In the back of your garage is that soft and worn baseball mitt. While there may be better baseball gloves out there, this one is yours. And when you pull it onto your fingers, it fits perfectly just as it always has. And if there comes a time that it needs to be replaced, there will be a period of discomfort and adjustment that makes this transition challenging. And so it is with your doctor.

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