1815 S. Clinton Ave Suite 405
Rochester, NY 14618
Our Practice has MOVED
Our new location is:
Suite 405
1815 South Clinton Ave
Rochester, NY, 14618.
The NEW phone number is 585-565-3500
585.565.3500
Fax Number:
585.434.4081
The Wizard of Oz--NO
Ofcourse, coming all the way up to Rochester for treatment was about trust, comfort level and confidence--not some kind of special "magic" that I am capable of!!
Magician, No.
Authentic, honest, and accountable, Orthopaedic surgeon, Yes.
At least I try every minute of every day.
Although seeing a happy patient after making the right diagnosis, gaining their trust, and performing an excellent surgery is "magical"--- the real litmus test of a successful result is their satisfaction.
Dr. Shaw Wilgus, from Baltimore, has referred to certain procedures/surgical strategies as "Surgical Gymnastics"-----meaning that there may be too complex an element to the plan, which might diminish the liklihood of success. Indeed, a well thought out treatment strategy should be well conceived based on "best practice" and the "evidence base".
And, it should be a plan that you (the patient)understand, and have had a chance to investigate and question, if you like-----even challenge! Afterall, you are the "customer". This type of dialogue may be tough to complete in the office, at times, however, which is exactly why I give every patient my email, via my website.
This brings me to this blog's title. I saw a patient this week for a 2nd opinion who had seen his Shoulder surgeon once in the office after multiple dislocations. He was told that he might need a complex bone-grafting procedure of the glenoid, but that he, (the doctor), was not entirely certain. His plan was to present the case at an upcoming conference to solicit feedback. There was no return phone call or feedback, however. Rather, his secretary called to schedule a date for surgery. And, by the way, the doctor was on vacation not at a conference.
On that day, the patient did not see the surgeon before or after the surgery. Postoperatively he has seen the Physician's Assistant mostly.
In light of this scenario, whether completey accurate or perceived, it's no surprise that he is not entirely happy. What I found after my evaluation was that the surgery had been performed well, and was well-conceived. But, the absence of pre- and postoperative dialogue left tremendous doubt in the patient's mind as to how he is doing----indeed, he is having a slow recovery.
He, the patient, referred to his Surgeon as the "Wizard of Oz".
This really resonated with me, particularly if you remember the scene from the movie when the man behind the drapery is revealed. A fraud----no! But certainly not what he appeared to be.
My message this week is "Caveat Emptor". The days of having "blind" respect for your physician should be over, particularly if you have one who overly leverages their "support"--whether it is PA's, residents in training, or other staff. Make certain you have dialogue.
Surgical Gymnast--NO. Wizard of Oz--NO.
Magician--although I like the complement, Linda--NO!
*POST EDITED BY DR. TOMAINO.
Replies
I understand when you were at UR orthopaedic dept you routinely saw over 120 patiens in a day. How is it possible to be so thorough with pre & post operative dialogue when seeing that volume of patients?
Dr. Tomaino,
The last respondent appears to be someone that is associated with your former practice who is apparently threatened by your distinguished and differentiated level of personalized care and access that so many of your patients have commented on in this very site. Keep doing what you are doing so that other patients like myself throughout the Greater Rochester area have a choice to receive unsurpassed care from someone who cares without having to wait or be served by a medical student -- "Wizard of Oz -- not for me, and not for any patient who can see you for their care".
Dr. Tomaino often gives patients an injection and books them for surgery on their first visit. You'll hear him say "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush". So he'll get them signed up for surgery early even before they've had a chance to see how the injection works. Because he is so skilled at manipulating the workers compensation system that pays much higher than regular insurance, especially for surgery and injections, he has made this one of his practice focuses.
Be careful of any doctor who has to promote himself. Self aggrandizing attitude is well displayed on this website. It is an obvious show of shameless self-promotion when these stories of "wizardry" (though the title is shunned) are proclaimed.
Thereare lots of doctors out there who can do what Dr. Tomaino can do. People who are good at what they do don't have to tell you they are. Notice how Tomaino puts down residents, med students and fellows when it's convenient but admits that he couldn't see 120 patients/day without them when at the university. Be careful of those who tell convenient truths that change over time.
I must say I am a bit saddened by the previous posts, but I cannot say I am surprised. The world today is full of people always wanting what their neighbor has (or more), but they don’t want to work for it. If they don’t get it handed to them they will seek to take down whatever or whomever they see as “having more” so that they can be on top. It is much easier that way.
If you look into Dr. Tomaino’s works and accomplishments, you won’t have to go far to see that his isn’t a practice for personal need, but rather for the need of the MANY patients out here like me. If you truly visited the office you would see this.
As for the “stick ‘em and cut ‘em” description, this could not be further from the truth. I had been to 4 Doctors and 2 therapists without getting a diagnosis. One junior physician had actually come up with the dx, but was put aside by someone more senior. By the time had arrived at Tomaino Orthopaedic Care, (one week after calling for an initial appt.!) I WAS hoping he would come out shooting with a proper dx and schedule the surgery that day. That DID NOT happen. He looked at what I had been through over the previous six months and still started at the beginning by eliminating the obvious. I left that day with another six weeks of noninvasive treatments. It was another six weeks before surgery was scheduled.
Over that past three months I have been in constant contact with either Dr. Tomaino personally or one of his staff in the office. I always get the answers I need. The office visit itself is brief and to the point, but my questions are answered. If they aren’t he is only an email away. Often replying within 10min.; at times from outside of the country!
His philosophy treats not just the physical problem, but the emotional side as well. I hope that the previous posts will not deter potential patients from contacting Tomaino Orthopaedic Care. You will not find a more compassionate or spiritual doctor anywhere. The staff is amazing as well!
I stand by what I call you ~ a magician! When you have been able to provide pain relief that surpassed my expectations through surgery that other "specialists"doubted would even work, you have proven your incredible, unsurpassed skill and expertise to me beyond a shadow of a doubt! And you've done this twice ~ first with a wrist and most recently with an extremely painful thumb joint. Add your unlimited accessibility when problems/questions arise, your dedication to provide the best surgical experience available (from pre- through post-op), your compassion, care, confidence and encouragement that are so reassuring, & I cannot think of a more fitting term than "magician"!! You are truly a one-of-a-kind doctor whose patients' loyalty speaks for itself! Please continue being the unique blend of doctor, encourager, and friend to those who are so in need of your talents, skill, and expertise!
I remain forever grateful to the MAGICIAN I know as Dr. Tomaino!! You are an amazing blessing in the field of health care! May God continue to bless you and your practice as you strive to provide the absolute best care humanly possible, and succeed exceedinly well at that on a daily basis. Thank you, Sir, for the pain free years you've given me and so many others!!!
Linda
Kathy
I hope you have a blessed 2011----I am very privileged to beable to help you in any way!
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