It’s relatively late at night in the city as I write this, and many of my dear Manhattan podiatry patients may be wondering what it is I’m doing at this late hour, other than filling the annals of this most holy and sacred blog with more consecrated verbiage.  I’m also concerned for the welfare of my many children and my even more many patients, who are dear to me as my many children.  And I’m wondering- why don’t you call?

Doctoring, even foot doctoring, is a full time job my dear young and not as young patients.  It’s not for those who want to go home and put the phone on the magical wireless charger for the night.  From lowly foot docs, to transplant surgeons, our patients don’t always decide when to trip and fall, feel post-operative pain, develop an infection, or just have a question that has to be answered at half time (not a football fan, so call away).  And while there are those of you, and you know who you are, bless your hearts, who utilize the after hours means of communication judiciously and frequently, there are those that – dare I say it – don’t use it quite enough. 

Let me say it bluntly – I’m here to make sure you heal, no matter the time of day or time or day.  And while the after hours calls can be a bit frustrating, it’s not quite as frustrating as the Monday morning infection that’s been brewing since late Friday and could have started an antibiotic.  Or the painful injury that could have been discussed and salved with advice and Advil.  You’re not my guidance counselor, and I chose this profession of my own free will, with all the resultant disturbances and concerns.  So if there is something that is hurting, nagging, bothering, or otherwise just not right, the threshold is low to decide to call. 

Well, there you have it.  I hope I don’t come to rue the day I published this one, although I remain faithful in the judgement of my patients, and am optimistic that maybe one patient will read this and decide it’s not cool to be in pain, or to worry about whether it’s ok to call.  It’s ok to call.  Just don’t ask me football scores or recipes, I really don’t like sports and I’m a terrible cook.

See you in the office.