Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Our new doctor

Dr Stephanie Cao

Both SG and I were stranded without a PCP (Primary Care Physicians) after our beloved Dr. Saran decided to find another position. I guess this is happening all over the country, with so many physicians quitting and/or overwhelmed during the Covid disaster. 

Dr. Cao started at PeaceHealth Medical Group earlier this year and already has a full slate of new patients, and both SG and I luckily became two of them as of today. SG had researched all the possible candidates we could choose from, and he showed them to me awhile back. I liked Dr Cao immediately, when I learned of her interests. She "enjoys cooking, yoga, and photography," according to her web page. (I cannot seem to cut and paste any more, or I'd give you more information about her.) She's Vietnamese and did her residency in Las Vegas. We feel very fortunate to have her as our new PCP.

We are required to wear masks during our entire visits, but I asked her if I could take a picture without hers, for my contact list. She accommodated me (and then immediately put it back on), and I think she's not only a lovely person outside, but also inside. Plus she does yoga! It's also nice to have a young doctor (who usually know about the most recent medical advances), but also because she's not likely to be retiring any time soon.

However, having said that, for one reason or another I keep losing my PCPs and that makes me very sad indeed. Right now, I feel in very good hands. Let's hope Stephanie sticks around for a long time to come!

:-)

18 comments:

  1. She looks like a very nice lady, gentle and compassionate. We have lost three PCP in the last three years, and yes I would say due to the COVID pandemic healthcare workers are burned out and their careers are suffering. Glad to see you are happy with your new Dr,
    ~Jo

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  2. She looks lovely, and I am glad she obliged with a photo. My doctor assured me that she won't be retiring any time soon - for which I am grateful.

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  3. We have had my Oncologist, my breast specialist/surgeon, and our dentist all retire in the last few years. Our PCP is our age and is what I call semi-retired in that he has both a new doctor and a Nurse Practitioner in his office now. I go to the Nurse Practitioner and love her (and she's young so she shouldn't be retiring anytime soon). But your new doctor looks friendly and a yoga enthusiast.... so that's encouraging.

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  4. With Kaiser Permanente I have had rotating PCPs for a long time. I have not met my newest one, since I have been dealing with my specialists now. Fortunately our computerized medical records are such that everything you need to know is right there.
    The problem now is getting appointments in a timely manner. I had a Physical Therapy session with Erica this morning, She told me to stop by the desk an make another appointment for two weeks from now. The soonest I could get was Nov 18! I'm on a wait list but whenever I am notified the appointment is already gone before I find the email. I'm going to email Erica and let her know. Something might shake loose.

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  5. I hope she takes good care of you and SG:)

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  6. Sounds like you did lots of research. Hope she stays for a long time. (Most doc offices are still requiring masks during visits.) Linda in Kansas

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  7. It's so important for us to have a PCP we can feel confidence in and trust. Glad you've found one! Yes, here too. Medical offices are about the ONLY places still requiring masks. I figure they are the ones who know what they're doing ... so I continue to wear a mask indoors in public.

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  8. We lost our PCP also. Things got so overwhelming that she retired early. We were then assigned to a Resident who only showed up 1 week a month. Sigh... Well... I started talking to the person who does the assignments about our difficulties and she kindly switched us to the chief of the department. I was worried he'd be older, but yay! He looks to be around for a while.... UNLESSSS... he gets reassigned to another facility. Sigh... That's the military problem...

    I'm so glad you're happy with Dr. Cao. She sounds awesome. Since she's young, she's probably up to date with the newest research.

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  9. I just lost my PCP last month too. To be honest I wasn't torn up about it as I didn't feel she listened to me. Anyway DJan, if you're getting good vibes from this one that's all that matters. I hope things work out. 🙂👍

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  10. My dentist and optometrist have retired. I'm always surprised and a little concerned, but the new people are just fine. I think medical schools now train their students on bedside manner - I get a lot more information than I used to, with all of my questions answered.

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  11. Good that you found somebody you like. We get to choose our family physician but there are very few to choose from.

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  12. I have heard several people complain about having to find a new PCP. Must be a thing. Scary finding a new doctor but it looks like you might have gotten one you can be happy with. My sister is still looking.

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  13. She does look like a good listener. Always good when you feel a good vibe. Many, many problems here with a lack of medical professionals after the pandemic.

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  14. She looks like an attractive doctor. You are fortunate to have her as your new PCP.

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  15. As far as I know, every medical practice here requires masks. I wish schools still did.

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  16. My PCP is a couple of years younger than me (and ready for retirement) and is gruff and grouchy. But I really like how he allows me to do my naturopathic therapies instead of getting prescription drugs. His daughter is slowly taking over his patients but she is a bit too allopathic for me.

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  17. I have a new doctor too. :) I see from a previous post that you are not afraid of needles. That's good news in this time of vaccinations. Stay well!

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  18. The only GP that I could get this year was a doctor who been reinstated after a two year hiatus because of drug use!! Oh well.

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