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Recommendations
When I was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer nine months ago
I had to make some hard choices about various treatment options. I found Hernan
Drobny's thoughtful, competent and friendly counsel invaluable. He helped me find and
evaluate relevant literature, and helped me think through implications of different
treatments for my quality of life. He never pushed me toward any choice, but
suggested helpful questions I might ask when seeing specialists, and was a supportive
friend as I worked through the alternatives. - Retired university professor with
prostate cancer
A few months ago, I was
facing uncertainties about my heath. My body seemed to fall apart and there was no telling
what else to expect. In addition to other health issues, I had just had severe kidney
stones, the third such episode in as many years. I was now fatigued and tests revealed
very elevated liver enzymes. My primary physicians informed me that I have acute liver
inflammation with active hepatitis. It was clear that the medication I was taking to
control the chronic hepatitis has failed and was no longer working as intended. Decisions
were made to send me to various specialists, including a liver doctor. This particular
specialist was a busy, self-i mportant, cold, and unpleasant
physician. After waiting for over three hours, he saw me for a grand total of about five
minutes, ordered a liver biopsy, more tests, then sent me out. Dr. Drobny helped me
tremendously as a friend and an advocate during this trying time. He listened to my
concerns, explained various test results to me in plain English and presented me with
clear options. A week later, Dr. Drobny went with me to the biopsy. His presence at my
bedside provided the calming influence needed. He again went to my follow-up visit a few
days later and had very constructive discussions with the attending physician about my
medications and treatment options. The questions Dr. Drobny asked made the physician see
me as a person, not just another case. As a result, the physician was more pleasant,
balanced in his assessment, friendlier, more understanding, and less intimidating. I find
Dr. Drobny's advocacy service priceless and recommend it to anyone facing healthcare
challenges. - Computer programmer in his 40s
Dr. Drobny was my primary
care provider from 1989 until he left the University Health Service last year. He became a
good friend as well. When I was not sure about what course of treatment to follow, and
worried about the odds of success, he provided a clear, factual assessment of the
situation and my options. He was also firm about taking treatment that was right for
me, although initially I was unsure. At the same time, he made it clear when there
were two equally viable choices, and encouraged me to take an informed decision by
providing me with the information I needed. I found Dr. Drobny to be a very well-informed
and caring physician. It was really lucky for me that he took care of my health. - Professor, new grandfather, native of India,
with hypertension
I can easily attest to the
value of Dr. Drobny's services. After being diagnosed with recurrent cancer, Dr. Drobny
accompanied me on a visit to the oncologist. This served two purposes. One was to make
sure I heard and understood exactly was the oncologist had to say. This is very important
in a situation where there is understandably a lot of fear and anxiety. Secondly, it was
helpful to review objective data as to the side effects and possible benefits related to a
course of chemotherapy. Subsequently, Dr. Drobny helped me to evaluate the risk/benefit of
continuing with chemotherapy after the standard reevaluation that takes place midway in
the course of [treatment]. The value of having an informed
objective third party as your advocate in difficult or complicated medical situations in
inestimable, and I would unhesitatingly recommend his services to anyone who has questions
or concerns about their medical situation. - Physician specializing in internal
medicine, father of two grown children, loves tennis and golf
Dr. Drobny
accompanied me to a consultation with a specialist. This specialist had recommendations
for an intervention about which she was very enthusiastic. I had reservations but also had
some insecurity about expressing them. Dr. Drobny's presence helped me feel supported and
able to voice my concerns and ask for more clear information from the specialist. We had
prepared for this. I felt my resulting decision reflected better balance between
scientific data and personal values. - Mother of three with a high risk
for breast cancer
I was diagnosed with
invasive cancer of the cervix and was stunned and shocked by the bad news. Dr. Drobny
understood the emotional crisis I was in. His support and practical and logical approach
helped me mobilize myself and seek the medical care I needed. - Single woman in her early 40s
After visiting my primary
care provider, I became uncertain as to the need of an antibiotic for my condition, though
not until after I left the doctor's office. My husband was frustrated at my questioning
the doctor's advice, yet I did not feel comfortable to call my doctor back. Hernan was
able to give me information about the risks and benefits of using antibiotics in my case.
This resolved my questions and gave me comfort in making a choice as well as restoring
peace in our relationship! - 44-year-old woman, executive in the film industry
For more
information, please Contact Me. |
