"1. My first impression of Dr. Fitzgerald was -professional,dry,detatched and bored.
2. My impression of him over time changed to - professional, focused, on the ball, confident, funny, warm, caring, and genuine.
3. His office staff is STELLAR! Patrice and Linda are fun, friendly, accomodating and they know thier stuff. They answer all questions readily, and everything is orderly and prepped. Some of the office staff have also had the surgery,also done by Dr. Fitzgerald, - so it feels good to be talking to people who are REALLY on the same page with you.
4. What did I like the least about Dr. Fitzgerald? It's hard for me to come up with something negative for the man that saved my life. - But to answer the question I suppose I didn't like my first impression of him. Which was aloof. He really didn't seem too interested in me until the last pre op visit. - But once it was surgery time he was everything you want your surgeon to be. - straight up, cool calm collected and ON IT!
5. Future patients should know that Dr. Fitzgerald is someone who really wants you to succeed. He will look you dead in the eye and tell you what you what you need to do. - And you better do it!
6. Aftercare is extremely important to him and I've already got appointments set up to a year out of my surgery. There is also a support group that meets monthly, and the office is so great, you should never feel shy to call and ask any question.
7. Dr. Fitzgerald was very honest and frank about all the risks involved with the surgery. I was fully informed WELL before I had my surgery.
8. Overall I rate Dr. Fitzgerald a TEN of TEN! I really couldn't be more pleased. I was taken care of perfectly and I know he worked hard on me due to my enlarged liver problems. I am very grateful to have had him as my surgeon.
9. Which is better - surgical competence or bedside manner?? - well surgical competence of course! This is kind of an odd question haha - Dr. Fitzgerald was a mix of both really. He isn't very personable at first- but after you see him a few times, it's easy to appreciate the man and see him as a well focused Doc that is really into his job. My parents are both retired medical doctors - so I am used to this type of personality. There are no surprises and no snake oil. Dr. Fitzgerald gets the job done and he is actually a really nice guy too underneath it all. - I think he really cares me and wants me to do well - I appreciate it.
And that is the jist of my experience! I'm thrilled to be feeling much better these days and excited about the changes I can look forward to this year. "
