A Turning Point

My family and I moved to Boston seven years ago, and I started the search for a doctor who could work with me and my ongoing health issues and challenges. I had Dr Santos-Martins recommended to me by a nurse practitioner at the first medical center I went to. Little did I know that the entire course of my healthcare was about to change. And, no, I'm not overstating that! Meeting Dr Santos-Martins would be a turning point in my life. Over the years I was diagnosed with auto immune disease, clinical depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and the list goes on. In short, all of the things that we, as women fear, because we are told that it's psychosomatic. I made an appointment with her (i had to wait a while for an appointment because so many patients wanted to see her!), and finally for to see her. I was pleasantly shocked that she had actually read my chart before walking in the room. She was professional, but warm and obviously genuinely cared about what I had to say. She listened to me, helped me prioritize the health issues I was having, and made an action plan to address them. She actually knew the specialists she was referring me to. Also, she had a holistic interest and approach to my health care. We addresses exercise and nutrition issues. It was a lot to cover in a short amount of time, so I made a follow-up appointment. After a few years Dr Santos-Martins let me know she was moving into a MDVIP practice. One of the top reasons was that she wanted to give her patients a better level of care by operating within a practice that allowed her to have ample time and resources to invest in her patients. I signed up as soon as I could. Walking into her new office that first day, I could see that she had created a warm, inviting and unhurried atmosphere. Her staff were warm, professional, and competent.
My appointment with her was three times the length it would have normally been at the medical center. We were able to go more in-depth with my current health issues and establish an even better action plan with her new resources. My health challenges continue and Dr Santos-Martins has been right here with me through the journey, listening, advising, advocating, and encouraging. Her level of personal care, dedication, and commitment to her patients goes above and beyond. A few examples: Her personally calling multiple pharmacies to see who had an over the counter medicine I needed and having them hold it for me, her taking time to consider not just what specialist would be able to handle my current health concern, but who would work best with me, her consistently following up with me via appointment or phone call when I'm sick (which is often), her hosting free classes and workshops with a nutritionist and other specialists for her patients, her actually being concerned for me as a whole person (mom, wife, career, interests, etc.) so she can better understand my healthcare needs.
I feel seen, heard, and safe with Dr Santos-Martins as my doctor. I'm no longer afraid that my doctor will be dismissive of my health concerns or not have enough time for me or time to deal with them. I have wholeheartedly recommended Dr Santos-Martins again and again to friends, colleagues, and people I have met. I am so very thankful for her dedication to and care for me and her other patients. Not only is she improving our lives, but by extension, the lives of our families and the people connected to us. Thank you Dr Santos-Martins!