To hear of the passing away of Dr.Atherton. He was our family doctor for 16 years and kept me calm through many baby/toddler/child/teenager emergencies and medical dramas, especially when I was a new mum and had no clue what I was doing. He took a no-nonsense approach to his patients and wasnt afraid to say, I dont know what that is. We will have to do a bit of reading and see what we can find out. (Unlike SOME doctors who will fake their arrogant way thru an ailment because they cant admit they dont know.) I was a huge fan of his gruff manner and often sarcastic comments - I told him once that he reminded me of House and he raised his eyebrow and said disdainfully, Whos that? I dont watch medical shows. Big Son remembers Dr Atherton as the really cool doctor who always had funny snarky comments. Dr Atherton knew me and my over-imaginative #dramaticMother ways well enough that sometimes Im sure he pushed my buttons on purpose. Like the time I took my child to see him with a rash that wouldnt go away. Of course Id read lots of medical articles via Google about what it could be (fiapoto) and was eager to tell him what it could be. Dr Atherton studied the rash and endured my wannabe-Dr suggestions for a few minutes and then said, Well, I think we can safely rule out leprosy, but Im not sure. What do you think? And Im like, WHAAAAT?!?!? LEPROSY IS A POSSIBILITY?!?!? And then he smiled, shook his head at my wailing and told me it was heatrash. I wasnt so #fiapokoMum next time I went to the doctor.... Dr Atherton wasnt afraid to have difficult conversations with his patients and he understood that mental health was just as important as the physical. He was an advocate for women and believed in their reproductive rights. Fussy babies made him impatient but his gentleness with them and his patience with their parents - revealed his true nature. In later years, before he retired, Dr Atherton would ask about my writing and book projects, Darrens running and how our children were doing - surprising me with how well he remembered us and had paid attention to us as people, not just patients, even though our family were just one of many that hed treated. I usually always request a female medical practitioner when I go to the hospital etc but Dr Atherton was the only male doctor who I have ever had complete trust in. He was a good man who I trusted and respected. I believe thats the essential marker for a good doctor, that you can trust and respect them, with your health and wellbeing and that of your children. Im so grateful for Dr Atherton and all he did for us. My sincere condolences and sympathy to his family.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Jun 2014 23:03:15 +0000
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