Respect - You Have To Show Some To Get Some

Note:  Every word in this story is true.  I have neither omitted nor embellished any content to suit an agenda.  I have removed the doctor's name in that as much as I want to address the issues of respect and professionalism, I don't want to harm his practice.  In doing so, I sought legal counsel who advised that provided the content below is true (and it is), there would be no legal recourse said doctor would have against the author   Since the story below may constitute Lashon Hora, I would rather err on the side of caution and refrain from mentioning said doctor's name.

I’m in the service business.  I expect good service and I have been told over-and-over again through the years that I give good service to my clients.  I’m a pretty-easy-to-please person, satisfied most of the time.  Simple.

I also value time – mine and others.  A lot.  No matter how rich or famous you are, time is irreplaceable.  When I make a commitment to do something at a certain time, I keep my commitment.   And when others make a commitment to me, I expect them to keep it or let me know in advance that they can'T.   

Yeah, I’m human – and the once or twice a year I run late for a meeting, I call in advance to let said meeting know I’m running a little late.  And when I show up, I apologize profusely.  That’s basic manners, and I don’t think anyone would refute that.

I'm wrong.  One person that I know would refute that – Dr. John Doe, a Toronto dermatologist.  

I’d booked a 9:10 am appointment, purposely – less likely of the doc being backed up early in the day.  Twice his office called me prior to confirm and twice I said yes.  I arrived at 8:52am – his waiting room was packed – perhaps 20 other patients.  I “checked in” and was told by a harried assistant to take a seat.    At 9:47, I got shown into “Consulting Room 9”, a room marginally larger than your average broom closet.  I stand corrected, but I think there were a total of 12 consulting rooms --- and I’m thinking why on earth a doctor would need 12 rooms unless he double, triple and god-knows-what books patients simultaneously.

Now, I am all for capitalism - and I have no issue in anyone making boatloads of money the right way.  I'm suspicious though.

1.  Why would a doctor need 12 consulting rooms in addition to a waiting room
2.  Why would there be some 20 people waiting at 9 in the morning
3.  Why would my appointment have been at 9:10am - it's an odd time

You judge! - back to the story.

It’s now 10:03am, and in runs Dr. Doe.  He’s rushed.  He’s even more harried than his assistant.  A handshake.  A four second look at my hand.  A smile.  A fast diagnosis that indeed the “small wart” I thought I had on my hand is not that.  It’s something else – he spoke so fast, I could not catch what he said.

“Here’s a script”, he says as he pounds away at his iPad furiously  “It’s at the reception on your way out.”  And with that he’s on his way out of the room.

Huh?

Personality – Zero.

Bedside manner – Zero.

Wow?

“Dr Doe,” I said.  “I appreciate that we all run late from time to time.  I get that.  Running almost an hour late first thing in the morning without so much as a call in advance or an apology is disrespectful, don’t you think?”

“Yeah – well that’s how it is”, was his flippant response.  “Your prescription is at the front desk, and if you don’t want to see me again, I will happily refer you elsewhere.”

And so ends the story.  And every word of it is dead true.

It’s been years, no, decades since I’ve been treated by another human being with so little respect for others.

Dr Doe, think I’m going to come back to you?  Dream on!  Ever heard of time management?  Ever heard of manners? Well, they’re both alive, well – and um --- kicking.