Dr. Alison Neff: My Journey to Concierge Medicine
A Childhood Dream Takes Root
When I think back to my earliest memories, one vivid scene stands out: a quiet evening in our living room, scattered with my toy stethoscope, bandages and reflex hammer. I was just five years old, but that day, I decided I would become a real doctor. "Mommy, I want to be a doctor when I am big. Can I do this since I am a girl?" My mother smiled broadly and gave me a big hug. She reassuringly said, "Of course honey. Girls can be doctors too."
I was so happy and relieved. Those evenings were filled with laughter and imagination, but they also planted a seed deep within me. As I played doctor, I felt a connection to something greater than myself—a desire to help, to heal, and to make a difference in the lives of others. It was a simple game, but to me, it felt like a calling.
The Seed of Curiosity Blossoms
As I grew older, that seed blossomed into a dream. I started school and gravitated to the sciences. I would constantly, to my classmate's annoyance, raise my hand to ask "why?" I needed to know how everything worked, and I savored every morsel of information I could gobble up.
Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others
In high school and college I began to seek moments to help others. I volunteered in a home for highly disabled adults, sang songs in senior centers, worked as a resident assistant, and planned fun activities through student council. I found that I was most fulfilled when I could provide a helping hand or make a classmate smile.
Reflecting on a Career in Medicine
As I reflect on my career in medicine, I am taken back to the beginning. A love of science, a need for human connection and a desire to help others have propelled me into this career. Unfortunately, the healthcare system of today is not as conducive to the type of care I wish to provide.
Challenges in Modern Healthcare
In recent years, hospital-based primary care has become increasingly strained. One major challenge is the sheer volume of patients. Physicians often find themselves managing far more patients than is ideal, leading to shorter appointment times and a lack of personalized care. Patients may feel rushed, leaving them with unanswered questions and a sense of being just another number in the system.
Moreover, the administrative burdens placed on doctors have skyrocketed. With the focus shifting toward meeting quotas and adhering to complex regulations, many physicians find their time is consumed by computer work rather than patient interactions. This not only frustrates doctors but also detracts from the quality-of-care patients receive.
Accessibility is another significant issue. Long wait times for appointments, often weeks or even months, can lead to delays in necessary care. For many, this creates a sense of urgency that isn't met by the current system, further exacerbating health issues.
A New Chapter: Concierge Medicine
Today, I carry my childhood memories with me. My mother's gentle encouragement and the joy of playing doctor in our living room are reminders of why I chose this path. It all began with a little imagination, a toy stethoscope, and a loving mom who nurtured my dreams. For the first time, in a long time, I am hopeful that there is a better way for me to doctor patients.
By joining Concierge Medicine of Cincinnati I will be granted more time to listen to patients, hear their stories, uncover illness, research treatment plans and make their lives a little nicer. I am thrilled to open the door to this new chapter in my career. I finally see my dreams coming true!
