Suddenly it hit me when watching family home videos, I was very much absent in my family’s lives. Not only visually absent on screen, but mentally did not recall many of the events filmed. I realized as I picked up my 15-year-old from football practice, that in just two years we will be sending him off to college.

Letter: A doctor’s self-diagnosis

Published 12:00 am, Saturday, November 28, 2015 | James A. Brunetti, II D.O.

To the editor,

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After many years of working as an internist in Greenwich, last week I transitioned my practice at 31 River Road, into an intimate practice based on a concierge model. This decision was not arrived at easily. During a lifetime, this decision falls into one of the most difficult and agonizing.

Over the past 18 years, I felt my patients, partner, and employees have been my family whom I spent up to 21 hours a day with many times seven days a week. What an honor to be surrounded by a group of individuals which I felt allowed me to be the dedicated doctor I have always strived to be. I was the doctor that provided house calls, office visits, and hospital care. I was not only a doctor to my patients, but their friend. Over the years I realized that I provided this level of care, but there was a part of my life imbalanced.

While all of these professional relationships thrived, and this level of care remained secure, my commitment to my family withered. Suddenly it hit me when watching family home videos, I was very much absent in my family’s lives. Not only visually absent on screen, but mentally did not recall many of the events filmed. I realized as I picked up my 15-year-old from football practice, that in just two years we will be sending him off to college. I asked my children in a roundabout way what was the most fun we had together and I was surprised at the answers they gave. They all recalled simple events, a walk at the beach or a household project. Nothing about the vacations we took. It all made sense. All they wanted was to be together as a family, no matter where we were or what we did. That is when I decided to slow down, concierge medicine was the answer. It allows me to be the doctor I always desired to be and provide a more personal touch. This will be done without the institutionalized demands and at the same time provide the balance at home which is long overdue.

This week alone I was able to walk the kids to the bus stop; eat together as a family; and help with homework for the first time. I asked my oldest son what he thought about me slowing down and enjoy more time with the family, his response sealed my decision. “Dad, you take care of thousands of patients and they rely on you to help them, we are only five people, it would be selfish of us to expect you to leave your practice for us.” At that moment I knew I made the right choice.

As I will always cherish my 18 years at 31 River Road, this week being with my family confirmed my decision. I would like to thank my patients for the many years of having trusted and honored me with their medical care.

James A. Brunetti, II D.O.

Greenwich, CT

SOURCE: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Letter-A-doctor-s-self-diagnosis-6660301.php