The Attributes of an Outstanding Physician

Olivia’s PHPV took us to Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit because our eye doctor told us our doctor was the best. I knew we were working with someone special when my phone rang at lunchtime. I was in the Taco House drive-through getting lunch and was surprised to see the doctor’s number. Our first appointment was a few days away. I excused myself and answered the phone. He was on his lunch break, in a similar drive-through and wanted to introduce himself and gather information on Olivia’s case.

When I would later see just how busy this man was, every day, helping kids to see, I would find that initial phone call even more compassionate and amazing. Upon examination, we learned Olivia’s eye condition was more severe than originally thought, along with two attributes of an outstanding physician, honesty and the ability to know your limitations. A outstanding physician has the confidence to ask for help when needed. Olivia's doctor, already one of the best, turned to one of the top retinal surgeons in the world for help.

The retinal surgeon did an amazing job removing Olivia’s stalk of blood vessels, but left the lens intact. We were puzzled because the defect in the lens blocked 80% of her vision when the pupil was dilated. How would she see? Three weeks later, it puzzled her other doctor, too, for the retinal surgeon's reputation was flawless. After examining Olivia, he asked us if we would mind having lunch at the hospital while he arranged for an afternoon appointment with his superior for another opinion. The lens did indeed need to be removed and Olivia was quickly scheduled for a second surgery.

This doctor had the confidence to ask for help while questioning the earlier decision of a highly regarded colleague. When facing a medical crisis, it is critical to remember that even the best can make a mistake. Doctors are human. The patient came before a reputation and Olivia had a better chance of seeing because of it.


Over the coming months and years, Olivia returned for several exams under anesthesia. Each time, a Children’s Hospital nurse would wrap her in a warm blanket when we would arrive early in the morning and Olivia would often fell asleep before anesthesia. I will never forget one exam under anesthesia in particular, the morning her doctor asked for the honors to carry Olivia to anesthesia, asleep in his arms. We are forever grateful for his courage, compassion and integrity and give thanks to both doctors for Olivia's miraculous gift of sight.