If you have ever faced a serious medical situation, you know how overwhelming it can be. Especially when your doctors are not experienced with the condition, and while well-meaning, provide poor advice.
This was my situation not long ago, and a friend of mine recommended that I look at going to the Mayo Clinic. I was hesitant at first, I think because it is far from my home, and it sounded “elite.” Who has not heard of the Mayo? Maybe they would think my condition or situation was silly.
I searched on line and found a place to request an appointment, so I began to fill it out. I did not get far before I had a question, so I call. The woman who answered easily answered my question, and even better, she offered to fill out the form for me with me on the phone. Within minutes she had me in the system and started on my journey.
When I got to Mayo I found that this experience was just the tip of the iceberg that is the level of care they provide. I learned that they have a complete corporate culture based upon customer service. I had several doctors that I saw there, and all of my doctors communicated with each other to design my care plan. At each appointment, it was not a rush-through and on to the next patient. They took plenty of time with me. At one point, when it was clear I needed to stay in town for an extended period, my surgeon even got on the phone to call around to help find me the best place to stay!
Even the Mayo facility (I went to the one in Minnesota) was designed to help the patient feel welcome and enriched. As a geologist, I really enjoyed all the exotic stone they used in the facility to give it texture and color. Everything was there from granite from igneous rock formations, to beautiful marble, and travertine wall tiles.
Before I went to Mayo, I asked a local doctor I went to how many times he had encountered my condition, and since it was rare, he said about 6. On a whim, I asked my specialist doctor at Mayo how many times he had seen it, and with a bit of thought, he said, “oh, about 1,500 a year.” I knew I had made the right choice.
