To the Editor:

I am writing this email to express my confusion and disappointment.  I recently received a voicemail stating our doctor, Hedy Migden, would no longer be with St. Peter's Healthcare Partners and therefore our upcoming appointments have been cancelled.  No other information was provided.

I received no notice, and no explanation as to why the doctor who has cared for my family for over 15 years would no longer be with us.  I am shocked.

I brought Dr. Migden my first baby for his one-week well visit over 15 years ago when I was just 18 years old.  Since that time, she has cared for me and my four children.

Dr. Migden's holistic approach to healthcare has guided my whole family as we encountered illness, life changes, and life altering situations.  She has provided us with everything from medications to make us well, education and encouragement to build us up, and the resources we needed to make us whole.  She has built a trusting, respectful relationship with each of us.

My teenagers feel free to speak with her and communicate their problems and their needs because of her ability to truly listen.

My younger children feel completely safe and look forward to visits because of her ability to adapt to each age group and each individual need.  

Over the years, I have witnessed the way Dr. Migden cares for her patients.  She could often be seen escorting an elderly patient out of an appointment, comforting a crying baby, or assisting the staff with anything they needed.  Always maintaining professionalism, always with a smile.

Her compassion and kindness was extended to all.

I am a registered nurse so I tend to observe all situations and interactions within a health-care facility.  I have noticed some changes in the office at our last several appointments.  There appeared to be a skeleton crew working, and those who were there did not seem to know the computer systems or how to process certain blood work, or where things were located.

I often would see them go to Dr. Migden to ask multiple questions.  Dr. Migden was always so helpful and kind to the staff as she tried to keep things on track and at one appointment she even assisted the nurse in giving my baby his immunization shots.

There was always a different nurse and only one person at the desk attempting to answer phones and check in patients. This made the whole process take much longer than usual.  Dr. Migden always assisted everyone so that the flow of patient care was not disrupted.

Hedy Migden, M.D., portrays the very definition of excellence in the medical profession.  She is hardworking and always maintains a positive attitude.  She provides teaching, guidance, and always promotes a professional atmosphere.

She treats her patients and staff with respect and kindness while maintaining an approachable personality.  She advocates for her patients and is the very image of compassion and strength.  Her integrity shines for all to see and provides a perfect example for those who strive to achieve excellence in health care.  We need more doctors like Dr. Migden.

It is extremely important to me that I communicate my experience with this fantastic doctor and express the significant impact she has had on my life and the lives of my children.  

Faith Whitney

Delanson

Editor’s note: For the full story, go online to www.AltamontEnterprise.com.