One of the most gratifying things about being a surgeon is that the job consists almost entirely of caring for others. “Thank you for taking care of me” notes from my patients are a motivational wonder of the work.
I list quotes from some of those notes here — not to beat my own drum, but so you can see what others have said and to say “Thank you” right back to those who wrote them.
Many (maybe most) of these notes and cards are not only addressed to me, but also to my staff. Without the skilled and kind people who surround me, I could do nothing.
Notes From My Patients
“I had Dr. Higgins perform a hernia operation for me about a year ago. My experience was wonderful. Dr. Higgins was very open and caring. I felt a sincere connection with him. I got the impression that he wasn’t just doing a job, but truly liked to help people and help them solve their problems.
“Last week, I was facing a cancer procedure that was to be done by another physician. All was going well until I reminded him of my previous hernia surgery. He was concerned that the new procedure might interfere with the hernia repair that Dr. Higgins had done previously.
“I placed a call to Dr. Higgins to explain what was about to take place and see if he had any concerns. He thought that any interactions between the two processes could easily be handled and would not cause any future problems. I thanked him and was relieved that there shouldn’t be any problems. In passing, I said that I guess the best option would be to have both surgeons there during the surgery. He said, “Well, that could happen.” He said he would reach out to the surgeon and talk with him about the hernia repair that he had done.
“When I went into surgery, I asked the surgeon if he had heard from Dr. Higgins, but he said he hadn’t. Dr. Higgins had eased my anxiety about the issue previously so I didn’t give it much thought. However, after returning to my room, my surgeon came by as I was getting ready to go home and to my surprise, he said that Dr. Higgins had, in fact, showed up at my surgery and had spoken with my surgeon during the procedure! That, my friends, is going the extra mile!
If you are needing anything that Dr. Higgins could help you with, I assure you that you would be in loving, capable hands!”
~ Sincerely, Bill and Linda (I thought it was really necessary for me to add my story to this list of great reviews.)
“Many thanks for your skills and kindness to us through this bump in the road!” ~CK
“Thank you for the kindness and respect you showed my dad. I so much appreciate the compassion for him and my family.” ~ Daughter of EB
“We were looking for alternative breast cancer treatment. Dr. Higgins not only didn’t ridicule our concerns (as other breast cancer doctors had done), but he listened respectfully and gently guided us to merge breast cancer alternatives (dietary changes, prayer, etc.) with traditional medicine. We’re two years down the road, and my wife is healthy and happy. She did end up getting surgery, but we weren’t pushed into it. We knew, all the way, that Dr. Higgins cared for us as people. We were more than “another cancer case” to him. If you’re looking for real help with breast cancer concerns and alternative breast cancer treatment advice… see Dr. Andy Higgins. He is the best.” ~ DS
“I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for your fantastic care of my son and whole family. Your quality and integrity as a surgeon and, more fundamentally, as a person, shine through.”
“We cannot thank you enough for the excellent care you have provided. From the moment we met you, we were certain God had led us to you.”
“Words cannot describe how grateful I am for you. Thank you for taking such great care of me.You have a special gift as a surgeon and as a person. Thank you for giving me my life back” ~BH
“Thank you for your expert care and for saving my life! I enjoyed the last year of good health thanks to you” ~GG
“I just want to thank you for having made me well twice. You did such a great job that, following both surgeries, I was able to recover quickly and win the Pole, Pedal, Paddle! I owe my two wins to you” ~LC
“I was afraid that finding a highly skilled surgeon in a smaller town like Bend wouldn’t be possible — that I would have to go to Portland for treatment. I was wrong. Dr. Andy Higgins is a Bend surgeon who is world-class. He lives here. He works here. And he’s a major blessing. He approaches surgery like an artist approaches a painting. He cares about his patients and he takes time to do the job right.
“I wanted to thank you for the miracle you have brought to my life. I was so sick and so weak for so long and you did an amazing job with my surgery. I felt better, just three days after surgery, than I had in over a year” ~BH
“Thank you so much for the difference you make in the lives of your patients! Your kindness, sincere caring, and concern make everything better and are a great encouragement.”
“Thanks for being a great surgeon and a great human being!” ~C
“You make a big difference in what we were initially told and feared about my cancer. You are a truly remarkable doctor and professional that we respect and trust. And we really enjoy your personality!” ~LW and family
“Thank you for all the excellent care. Each day I am feeling better and able to do a little more.” ~KF
“I appreciate your kindness and skill as a surgeon.” ~PW
“Thank you so very much for taking care of me and being so skilled at what you do. Every day of my life will be better because of you. Thank you is not nearly enough” ~BH.
“You take the time to listen and to make your patients feel valued and respected, treating others as you would want to be treated. I thank God often for you. Thank you for who you are and for the brilliant surgeon you are.”
“First and foremost, thank you for making me feel so much better.”
“Thanks for your good care and concern…Your ‘manner’ put me at ease and helped me gain confidence. Because of you, I am doing very well.”
“You are truly a remarkable doctor and professional that we respect and trust. And…we really enjoy your personality.”
“I remember your smile as you came into the pre-op area and you simply just brought a wave of peace to the room. Your care for her during that time meant the world to us.”
“Thank you very much for your excellent care and exceptional professional abilities!”
“Thank you so much for all of your care and great sense of humor. I’m grateful you decided to wait to see if I truly needed surgery…I’m most thankful. Thank you also for answering my questions (and husband’s) over the phone…both of us can’t than you enough.”
“You have done so much for our family, we appreciate your caring nature, and adore your loving personality you give to your patients!”
“Thank you for your wonderful care. You have a lovely combination of professionalism and caring and I appreciate it very much.”
“Thank you for taking such good care of our daughter!”
“We all felt blessed to have such a great doctor taking care of our daughter.”
“Thank you for your great care. My recovery was amazing; up and around the next day and I never gave it any thought again.”
“Thanks for being a great doctor who just tells it like it is. Your honesty is appreciated!”
“My family and I are deeply grateful for your skill and your caring heart.”
“Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and not at me. Instead of just thinking, “I have cancer,” now I’m thinking about my options of getting rid of it!”
“This illness really shook my life. Someone knew who I needed and you were there.”
“What a wonderful blessing and encouragement you are. I don’t have words to thank you enough.”
“Thanks for the exceptional surgery. I so appreciate having you on my medical team.”
“You never seemed to be in a hurry and showed true concern. And of course your smile would brighten up anyone’s day.”
“You helped me when I really needed help. Thank you so much.”
“You put our needs, the patient and family, as your priority. We are thankful for you and for our great outcome.”
“You are a remarkable physician. I feel blessed to have come your way.”
“You’ve been a great doctor and friend. Keep doing what you do to help so many people.”
“I was overcome with thankfulness when I thought of how much the surgery you gave me changed my life. I am a normal, healthy person who can do things I want to in my life again.”
“It’s obvious you love what you do because you are very good at it! I really appreciate your help.”
“Thank you for your excellent care of my dad, J.C. You and your staff were very helpful to our family when we had questions. You’re all awesome!” ~ Nancy & Ken
“I can’t thank you enough for the special, excellent care you have provided and for the unique gift you are to your patients.”
“I am blessed that you are my doc! I have great confidence in you and your abilities” ~ C.
“Thank you so much for the great care and surgery you performed on me. You and your staff have made such a huge difference for me. I am feeling much better, and I appreciate all you have done. Aloha & Mahalo!” ~ Robin.
“Thank you for all the support… it’s clear that you really care about your patients, and I feel like I’m in really good hands” ~ Susan S.
“What a wake-up call! Thank you for being there to take care of me and to guide the way. Thank you for respecting the choices I made… and not insisting that I must go in [a different] direction. Thank you for respecting the choices I made regarding chemo and radiation therapy, and not insisting I must go in that direction… Also, thank you for praying with me before surgery. Dr. Higgins, that was very, very special. You made everything a very positive experience. I’m walking. I’ve changed my diet, I’m taking supplements… and I’m so happy to be back home with my friends” ~ Jean
“I can’t thank you enough for your opinion… I don’t think a lot of doctors would be as straightforward as you. I really appreciate and admire you!” ~ Barbara C.
“The truly genuine nature of your care, tolerance, and the thought that you have given to the many phases of my emotional and mental storm in the face of a cancer diagnosis has been really exceptional to me. Thank you for lending all your skills — surgical and humanitarian — to my case” ~ Sandy B.
“We will always be grateful for your help!” ~Duane and Priscilla S.
“Thank you for taking care of that crusty old farmer whom I call my father. I cannot tell you how relieved I was when my mum told me you would be following him for his bowel obstruction. You saved him from surgery… all my parents could talk about was ‘Dr. Higgins.’ You are an amazing person who has no problem conveying your care and commitment to your patients” ~ Sarah
“Thank you so much. Super person, Super doctor, Super surgeon! Today marks 10 years of being cancer free, since you so excellently performed breast cancer surgery… I can’t thank you enough for what you did and for the wonderful person you are. What a blessing! I’m so thankful to God for you!” ~ Susan W.
“Thank you for taking such good care of me… Thank you for being there” ~ Roberta S.
“Thanks for your care. You are the best doctor I’ve ever had…” ~ Barbara M.
“You are such an awesome doctor, and I’m so glad that I had you for my surgery. God bless you” ~ Sharon B.
“Dear Dr. Higgins – I cannot thank you enough for not only being the best surgeon for me, but for being the most caring, gentle, and understanding person I could have asked for. Cancer weighs heavy on the heart, but you were able to make it light and make me feel as though I was in the best hands I could be in. Thank you for my beautiful scars! I truly love them. I know I’m a better person because of my diagnosis… God bless you…” ~ Leonor.
“Thank you for the time spent and care provided in making (my husband and me) comfortable in going forward with the breast lumpectomy. We are forever grateful” ~ T. and family.
“Thank you, Dr. Higgins and staff. Your compassion and kindness was truly appreciated! You are amazing, and I am grateful you are in my life and I am under your care. I will pray every day that God’s blessings are upon you!” ~ Emily Z.
“Andy, thanking you so much for your care and concern… and for your pre-surgery prayer” ~ Barbara H.
“Dr. Higgins – Thank you! I feel we were very successful [during the surgery]. God answered prayer in showing us that there was a little more than we thought… but He guidedyour hands to clean it out! Thank you! I am very blessed that you are my doc. I have great confidence in you and your abilities” ~ Cynthia.
“Dear Dr. Higgins – Thank you so much for making this world a much better and more cheerful place. With hugs for you” ~ anon.
“Dr. Andy – Thank you for taking such good care of my dad. You’re the best!” ~ Karen M.
“Dr. Higgins and Staff – We are so thankful for all that you have done to save Dan’s life. Your are the best of the best!” ~ Sharon & Joe
“Dr. Higgins – Please accept our thanks for your referral. We will always be grateful for your help” ~ Priscilla.
“Dr. Higgins — I shall never forget your loving care, your thoughtful prayer, and the lovely rose!” ~ JN
“You do such amazing work!” ~ SG
“You went all out … and the results were outstanding!” ~ JJ
“You know how people say, “Everything happens for a reason.” Well, I won’t pretend to be smart enough to understand the reason I had cancer. But I do know that because I had cancer I was lucky enough to meet you and your staff. My coming to your office was no accident. It was because of your reputation in the community … you are appreciated.” ~ MJ
“Authentic, professional, accurate diagnosis, clearly stated options, and great technical skills. But the best part is your genuine care for the whole patient: “Attitude and willingness affect outcomes.’ Thank you.” ~ L
“Thank you for your compassion, kindness, and professionalism.” ~ SB
“Dear Doctor Higgins … I’ve very much thankfulness to God for you.”
“Sending you a little note of thanks for your prayer before surgery, taking good care of me during surgery, and the flowers afterwards. You are such a loving, caring doctor. Thank you!” ~ DW
“I’m so grateful to ‘Team Dr. Higgins’ … thank you!” ~ AF
“Dr. Higgins: Thank you for the rose after my surgery. And most of all, for holding my hand and saying a prayer over me before the procedure. Your kindness will never be forgotten!” ~ LM
“It’s amazing to look back and think that I had breast cancer. We have appreciated your honesty, humor, compassion, and mad skills. ‘Thank you’ isn’t enough, but it’s from the heart.” ~ MJ
“Dear Dr. Higgins … Thank you so much for your help in removing the tumor. We also think you for the prayer before each surgery. It meant a lot.” ~ RSK
“Thank you so much for the beautiful yellow rose you gave me after surgery. So very thoughtful. I want to thank you also for always answering my calls and being there for me.” ~ CG
“I have been around numerous doctors during my career as a nurse, and you are a special one. May the Lord bless the work of your hands. Thanks for being my doctor.” ~ JR
“Thank you so much for the support over this last year and especially when you felt I had to do the surgery. I so appreciate your honoring my wishes towards holistic healing and not brushing me off as a ‘nut-case.’ I cannot express how special it was for you praying with me before surgery, asking for healing for me, direction and wisdom for you.” ~ JR
“Dear Dr. Higgins … Thank you so very much for your incredible care, comfort, and concern during my recent visit and procedure. You made it feel easy for me to feel safe and secure while in your care.” ~ MK
“Dr. Higgins — Thank you so much for your outstanding work and compassion.” ~ DP
‘”Thank you” seems too short for the road trip just taken. The heartfelt prayer before surgery, The note of wellness with the rose … “Thank you, Doctor Higgins,” I am better because you care.”‘ ~ BG
“Thank you, so much, for being so kind and fun and professional at the same time. Your are a wonderful, talented doctor. You are very much appreciated.” ~ CK
“Your wisdom, heart, and perspective have elevated no only my family, but our entire community. Blessings to you and your family.”
“Dr. Andy Higgins — Thank you for all your kind words of compassion and caring. Thank you for your recommendations about my surgery and for answering all my questions. Thank you for the rose after surgery, the prayer before, and your overall professionalism! Your attributes aren’t only appreciated — but they are very refreshing!” ~ CA
“Thank you, doctor, for all you do for so many during their unexpected hard seasons. I know at least three other women who were patients of yours, and all felt deeply cared for. I am grateful for the gentleness and care you show to so many.” ~ W.
“Thank you, doctor, for your excellent care and compassion. You and your staff create a welcome and safe environment where people can trust and heal. You have gone above and beyond in timely communication and response to our questions and concerns. Thank you for caring and helping us believe in the best possible outcome during our very difficult time.” ~ MC
“Dr. Higgins — Thank you for your skilled hands and continued follow-up. I feel truly blessed to have you as my surgeon. You’re the best doctor ever, and you have a great team.” ~ DL
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As an experienced healthcare professional with a deep understanding of the intricacies of surgery and patient care, I find the provided article resonating strongly with the essence of a surgeon's dedication to their patients. The expressions of gratitude and trust from patients highlight the significant impact that a surgeon, in this case, Dr. Andy Higgins, can have on the lives of those they serve.
The narrative emphasizes the human side of medicine, portraying Dr. Higgins not just as a skilled surgeon but as a compassionate and empathetic individual who goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being of his patients. The evidence presented in the form of detailed patient testimonials showcases a consistent pattern of appreciation for Dr. Higgins' professionalism, care, and genuine concern for the whole patient.
Key Concepts Highlighted in the Article:
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Comprehensive Patient Care: The testimonials repeatedly emphasize not only Dr. Higgins' surgical skills but also his holistic approach to patient care. This includes expressions of gratitude for his kindness, compassion, and support throughout the entire healthcare journey.
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The article underscores the collaborative nature of healthcare by acknowledging the contributions of Dr. Higgins' staff. Patients appreciate the entire team, recognizing that the success of medical interventions is often a collective effort.
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Communication and Patient Education: Dr. Higgins is praised for his effective communication skills. Patients value his ability to explain complex medical procedures, address concerns, and involve them in decision-making. This fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the healthcare process.
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Empathy and Compassion: The article emphasizes the emotional aspect of patient care. Dr. Higgins is portrayed as a surgeon who not only heals physically but also provides emotional support. Expressions of gratitude extend beyond medical expertise to include kindness, understanding, and genuine care.
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Alternative Treatment Approaches: The article highlights instances where Dr. Higgins acknowledges and respects patients' concerns about alternative treatment approaches. This demonstrates a patient-centered approach that considers individual preferences and values.
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Timely and Personalized Care: Patients appreciate the personal attention and timely responses from Dr. Higgins. The article suggests a commitment to individualized care plans and a dedication to addressing patient needs promptly.
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Spiritual and Emotional Support: Dr. Higgins is shown to provide spiritual support, including prayers before surgeries. This aspect of care goes beyond the physical realm and contributes to the overall well-being of patients.
In conclusion, the provided article offers a compelling narrative about Dr. Andy Higgins, portraying him as a surgeon who not only excels in technical proficiency but also deeply cares about the emotional and spiritual aspects of patient recovery. The consistent and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from patients serve as powerful evidence of Dr. Higgins' impact on the lives he touches.
