In Their Words
Patients share their Dana-Farber experience
April 17, 2007
Hi Jay,
I just wanted to thank you again for fitting me in for a mammogram and exam last Friday. More importantly, I wanted to share with you the wonderful experience I had at Dana-Farber.
Upon arrival, the parking attendants were friendly and courteous. Although I was quite nervous walking downstairs, the pictures of Fenway and things about the Jimmy Fund cheered my spirits. I was greeted in your department by a lovely young woman and quickly sent into the mammogram waiting room. I only had to wait a few moments and was asked to change, and then went in for my mammogram. The technician had read that I had experienced some pains in the breast where I had been treated for breast cancer, and she was very understanding. (Oh – I almost forgot to mention the great white robes they use there – very comfortable and allow for some sense of modesty!)
Then, as soon as she had good results, she came out and said everything was fine, but that the radiologist would talk to me. Once again, the radiologist was not rushed, was extremely patient with me, and very nurturing and pleasant.
So, with that behind me, I mentioned to another kind woman at the front desk that I had lost my Dana-Farber blue card, and asked where I should go and get a new one. She insisted on going upstairs with me, and then asked if I could wait a few minutes in the lobby until she had it created. As you know, I am a fit, active, and very independent 55 year old – but she still said it would be easier if she did it for me. As it turns out, she had to wait for a batch to finish, and apologized for the wait. While sitting there, a nice person came by and offered me a newspaper to read.
Why is Dana-Farber such a gentle and nurturing place? I am on the board of Atrius Health, and also CEO of an employee benefit consulting firm that specializes in health insurance. I have never experienced such nurturing people throughout the entire place! I only wish that all health care facilities could take even a few lessons from Dana-Farber.
My compliments to you and all the kind and gentle people at Dana-Farber. You are doing a wonderful job in medicine, but you also know how to treat people with kindness and respect – a wonderful accomplishment.
Thank you again,
Carol Chandor
