I have been under the knife several times and yet, I'm embarrassed to admit, I never sent any one of my surgeons a thank you gift. I mean, that's their job, right? They are paid handsomely to cut their patients open and leave them with a scar. And, I most certainly never considered giving any of my doctors a Christmas gift.
While a fair number of Doc H's patients are no longer are under his service after their follow-up, he maintains a larger number of patients who are continually coming back to him for recurring problems or "tune-ups" as I like to call them. These are the patients who bear holiday gifts.
The gifts are varying in nature. We have received everything from homegrown fruits and veggies, homemade dinners, homemade baked goods, fine table linens from overseas, #2 pencils for the kids, handcrafted jar openers, smoked salmon, homemade sausages, dress shirts, and ties.
Additionally, we get tons of...
wine
and...
champagne.
But, the ultimate kicker is...
cognac!
He receives bottles and bottles of hard core cognac! It is the gift that baffles me the most. These patients must think Doc H is a lush.
So here's the more important question: Who would allow themselves to be sliced open by a lush?
Honestly? I don't get it.
But, I sure do appreciate it!
{Now, do I go on and post about the time we drank said cognac and got so lit, Doc H started bench pressing me on our living room floor? Now, those were the days...}
I don't even remember the names of my surgeons sadly, but I would think the insurance company would give them the gift of payment. I can see family members giving gifts to a dr for protecting their loved one but patients?? Can't wait for free wine!
ReplyDeleteIt's incredibly thoughtful and all appreciated!
DeleteOh honey...just enjoy the gifts!
ReplyDeleteWe live in a society where we are supposed to gift/tip everyone....postal workers, those who do our lawn care, and those who make our coffee. (servers & bartenders I don't mind tipping, of course). We have to gift/tip people for just doing their job, why not gift people who save your life or make it significantly better? ;-)
Oh, I do enjoy them! I was just caught off guard by them. It never dawned on my to send a gift to my surgeon before. :0)
DeleteNot doing gifts for doctors (they can buy their own stuff) but I will be sending a card (when I get around to it) to my OBGYN. Afterall, she delivered 3 of my beauties and said she would like to keep in touch when we moved.
ReplyDeleteIf my husband ever gets presents from patients I hope it isn't alcohol! Maybe we can register somewhere:-)
Ha! I think registering would be a little over the top. ;o)
DeleteYou'll get wine, I promise. So, if you don't drink, I hope you have some friends that you can re-gift it to, 'cause usually it's some pretty expensive stuff!
alright. you know i've had a rough week or two. i'm just going to start coming to your house and busting into your wine reserves! :) :)
ReplyDeleteCome on over!!!!
DeleteOooh, Remy Martin, you lucky ducks.
ReplyDeleteI've wondered about this, actually. My family doc is having a baby in January and she's wonderful. We just love her. And we have mutual friends. Our worlds occasionally collide. Is it weird to get a little something for the baby?
No!!! Do it! I think all the gifts we receive are very thoughtful and we appreciate them. I just thought the liquor was a bit weird. :)
DeleteI.CAN'T.WAIT!!!! I will gladly take the expensive spirits to stock my cabinets so that is ONE thing I don't have to spend money on post-residency. I Must keep in touch with my non-drinking friends and remind them a little bit of wine will do as a gift:)
ReplyDeleteWould it be weird to give my ob/gyn a gift for delivering my baby girl recently? And if so...what would be a good gift? He just started his own solo practice (left big group in town) and has tons of bills to pay... would a gift card to a nice restaurant for him and his wife be weird? he is such an awesome man and doc.
I think a gift card to a restaurant is awesome! I would LOVE that!
DeleteWow, it has never occurred to me to give a gift to my doctor. I don't even like tipping (I think restaurants should just pay their servers properly). I guess I've never had a relationship with a doctor where that felt appropriate. My last pregnancy was rough and I was so angry with both my OB and my family doctor by the time I had the baby (in August) that I never wanted to see any medical professional again, let alone give them gifts. No offense intended ;) it was just the specific situation that really left a bad taste in my mouth.
ReplyDeleteUnless you're lighter than I am (which no adult person ever should be, frankly) it's quite impressive that your husband can bench press you WHILE DRUNK.
ReplyDelete