"<html><font size="3" face="Arial">SURGEON SURVEY: </p> Second Time Around: Dr. Brems</font></p> My first impression?--Direct, all business, no showmanship. But, he listened to and addressed every issue I brought up.</p> How did my impression change over time?--It was just reconfirmed by the way he handled my hospital course and my continued followups.</p> How would I describe his staff?--His secretary was always very helpful. He was assisted by a nurse for both my visits, who was very compassionate. </p>What did I like least about him?--I have not developed any bad feelings about our doctor-patient relationship. I do, however, have a few issues with Loyola. I had a good hospital stay, but if you are interested in some other details about Loyola, just send me an email. Don't get me wrong. I am extremely relieved, glad, etc. that I wound up as Dr. Brems' patient. </p> What should future patients know about him?--Dr. Brems is very talented and sharp. He will take care of you. His main function at Loyola is as their liver transplant surgeon. He got into doing bypass surgery because of all the morbidly obese patient's that he has seen lose their liver function due to cirrhosis caused by obesity. He cares.</p> How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? He has a very thorough aftercare program. You can attend monthly meetings with the nutritionist. You see him on a monthly basis, as well.</p>Does he have a structured aftercare program?--Yes.</p>How did he address the risks of surgery? In a very direct and thorough manner.</p>How would I rate him overall?--A++</p>Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both?--Well, his competence is above reproach. He is a quiet man, but firm in his knowledge. He is not flashy nor does he display the ego that I've seen in some surgeons. His bedside manner worked for me.</p>
<p><font size="3" face="Arial">First Time Around: Dr. Kane--</p>
What was your first impression of him/her?--Confident and talented. </p>
How did your impression change over time?--I feel now that he is capable; however, I don't feel his own opinion of his ability equals his actual talent. </p>
How would you describe his/her office staff?--Courteous and helpful. </p>
What did you like least about him/her?--There is a comment at the bottom that requests that we give a balanced (good and bad) review of our surgeon. In my case, since the surgery was aborted,
I don't know what to say. I think his intent was good. I, however, do wish he had not spoken of such a definitive diagnosis
before finding out the results of the pathology. When I was postop a couple of months, I had another meeting with Dr. Kane to discuss my eligibility for the bypass. I found his cockiness to be intolerable. He seemed to feel that he would or should do the surgery, if I was sure that I wanted it. He asked that I have at least one consultation with a hepatologist to ensure that it wouldn't be dangerous. The meeting went sour at the point where he told me that he felt I should lose 50 to 70 pounds to make things easier. He also stated that he wouldn't turn me down for the surgery because if other surgeons found out that "Kane wouldn't do [the surgery]" than no one would. Ridiculous, to say the least. Can anyone blame me when I say I'm bitter that 7 months after my aborted surgery I have a much more advanced case of cirrhosis, which could PROBABLY have been helped by the amount of weight I would have lost during those 7 months? </p>
What should future patients know about him/her?--Dr. Kane Jr's main focus is the patient's health. He does however seem to have an assembly line type practice going, so I would strongly suggest that if your health is less than above average, you investigate what is best with you through your internest or any specialist that cares for your specific medical condition. </p>
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?--Very thorough after-care program. </p>
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?--Yes. It is maintained by Weight For Life and Alexian Brother's Hospital. </p>
How did he/she address the risks of surgery?--Very up front and honest about risks. </p>
How would you rate him/her overall?-- Can't answer that. </p>
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both great?--Probably his manner.</font></p></body></html>"
