After Paul Goldstein, MD, my primary care physician in New York City for nearly 30 years, decided to go the "concierge medicine" route--don't get me started--I found one in Florida, Andrew Berkman, MD. He had treated the twin sister of a former colleague who lived in Lake Worth and loved him. More importantly, he met my two criteria in choosing an internal medicine physician: he was Jewish and he practiced near my home, if only for three months of the year.
During our first consultation in 2021, I leveled with him. "I'm looking for you to keep me in good health until I'm 75. I don't plan on living much longer that." If Dr. Berkman was shocked, he didn't let on but he got the message. I haven't heard a peep from him about getting another colonoscopy, which I put at the top of my "Never Again" list when I turned 70, just above re-painting 47 Pianos.
I arrived for my annual visit with an agenda: where should I have my right knee replaced, New York or Florida?
"Ten years ago I would have told you to have it done in New York, but health care in the West Palm Beach area really has improved. You probably can find an orthopedic surgeon just as good here," he said while entering some information into his computer. He pulled up the orthopedic surgeon listing for the Hospital for Special Surgery. Little did he know I had done the same thing prior to my office visit.
After scrolling through the choices and noting the guy with the best local reputation, he zeroed in on John L. Wang. "This is the guy for you," he recommended.
I'd already chosen him for a second opinion on the basis of his bio and his availability. My New York City dermatologist advised me to look for an affiliation with the University of Miami when seeking local health care. Dr. Wang, who completed his orthopedic residency there, checked that box too.
I made an appointment as soon as I got home.
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