How To Thank An Oncologist?

[Midpack]

I read it's inappropriate to tip a doctor, but somehow a thank you note or in person seems inadequate - though I will most certainly do so. I might offer to make a donation to the cancer center in his name (is that OK?), but is there anything else I can do without crossing a line? Needless to say I am most grateful for his care.

 

[audreyh1]

Ask him if he has a favorite charity?

But I think a personal thank-you note would also be very appreciated.

 

[Aiming_4_55]

Write the Oncologist a positive Review or Rating on your insurance portal or this article Doctor Rating and Review Sites: Reliable? suggest websites like: HealthGrades.com, RateMDs.com, Vitals.com

 

[Aerides]

I think the personal handwritten note is the way to go. They probably see very few of those, but plenty of people trying to wave money at them.

 

[Purslane]

I read it's inappropriate to tip a doctor, but somehow a thank you note or in person seems inadequate - though I will most certainly do so. I might offer to make a donation to the cancer center in his name (is that OK?), but is there anything else I can do without crossing a line? Needless to say I am most grateful for his care.

An elegant bouquet for the office, once, or annually on your important day? A gratitude letter professionally inked, framed and gift boxed that he/she might choose to hang prominently or privately? A letter to his/her professional society with permission to publish as they see fit?

 

[Purslane]

I think the personal handwritten note is the way to go. They probably see very few of those, but plenty of people trying to wave money at them.

They don't see either very often, especially those doctors who provide services in the shadows like pathologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, etc.

 

[disneysteve]

In my practice we would occasionally get small gifts like a cookie tray or fruit or something. Definitely around the holidays but other times too. Depending on your budget you could offer to have lunch sent in for the office.

 

[Dash man]

When DW’s oncologist retired, he set up a foundation to support cancer research. We went to his retirement ceremony and foundation dedication and made a donation.

 

[street]

A Doctor told me not that many years ago that a short letter and note of appreciation was the most rewarding thing from a patient.

 

[Midpack]

I already have a hand written thank you note written that I’ll carry to my future treatment sessions in case I see him. That’s not a given at this stage, though he oversees everything. He’ll get my note one way or another.

 

[Car-Guy]

Doctors are usually pretty smart. Shouldn't it be clear enough that you are grateful/thankful of their professional service when you continue to entrust your health to him/her?

 

[pacergal]

A Doctor told me not that many years ago that a short letter and note of appreciation was the most rewarding thing from a patient.

This.
It always made my day if I got something personal from a patient.

Of course, everyone in the office enjoys a food item, whether candy, cookies, etc.
A buffet lunch would have been incredible when I was working (if you have the money)
Once we got a mobile coffee cart that came during early morning before clients arrived. That was a nice gesture (from admin, not a client)

 

[Jerry1]

I think the hand written note is a good idea. As mentioned, some baked items or flowers or any small gift would be fine. Personally, I have two examples.

I was working and had my lasix surgery and the doctor noticed the tie I was wearing. It was made by a local designer who also happened to be Korean like the doctor. I went and bought him one with the same design. My next office visit, I gave it to him. He seemed very happy so that felt good.

The next one was a little more personal. When my doctor told me the drugs were working and my kidneys improved to the point that I could get off dialysis I got up and gave her a big hug. Not sure if I had a tear in my eye but I’m sure I had one very big smile on my face. I’m sure she knows how much I appreciate her.

 

[ivinsfan]

After hubbys heart surgery gone wrong we waited a couple of weeks and wrote him a letter..we thanked him and then mentioned members of his staff by name. As in thank you Bob for doing this and thank you Jill for your excellent care. We mentioned how professional and caring his entire staff was and said we know how much time and effort that requires. We also enclosed a father's day picture of hubby with the grands and said here is the result of your excellent care.

 

[Midpack]

^^^ I wish I had written down all the names of medical professionals I interacted with on my first visit, they were all wonderful. There were so many, more than a dozen, and only first names I can’t remember. Not to mention I was partially sedated for one procedure.

 

[dak2018]

My brother is a retired oncologist. I believe he was most touched by personal notes from patients. Don't forget the office staff that assisted as well - they play an important part in the process.

 

[ivinsfan]

^^^ I wish I had written down all the names of medical professionals I interacted with on my first visit, they were all wonderful. There were so many, more than a dozen, and only first names I can’t remember. Not to mention I was partially sedated for one procedure.

To be fair he had a fairly small staff who worked exclusively for him and DH spent 10 plus days under their care so we became very familiar with them. Without exception his staff was first rate.

 

[calmloki]

No oncologists, but I carried in some cookies I made to the local fire station and thanked the guys that took over CPR from my gal, shocked and transported me. They said they didn't often have people thank them after doing that sort of job. Pretty sure they appreciated it - I sure was happy to be doing it!

 

[tulak]

I would bring a box of chocolates that can be shared with the staff.

 

[Qs Laptop]

^^^ I wish I had written down all the names of medical professionals I interacted with on my first visit, they were all wonderful. There were so many, more than a dozen, and only first names I can’t remember. Not to mention I was partially sedated for one procedure.

Thank you for bringing up this subject matter. When I got my cardio ablation for AFIB I wrote myself a note in Google Keep of the names of the people that were attending to my surgery that day, with the intention of writing a thank you note to the electrophysiologist at my 1 year anniversary. That day has come and gone, but my 3 year anniversary is coming up in April, so I'll be sure to do it this year.

 

[Dawg52]

I don’t have an oncologist as my urologist treated me(immunotherapy). I have told him how much I appreciate him. Plus he is just a good guy which is good as I will be having follow ups from now on.

 

[ransil]

It was a paid service , you paid him....... end of relationship.
all the doctors including an Oncologist I seen in the past few month were nice , just doing their jobs.
The CNA's do the dirty work.

 

[Kings over Queens]

^^^ I wish I had written down all the names of medical professionals I interacted with on my first visit, they were all wonderful. There were so many, more than a dozen, and only first names I can’t remember. Not to mention I was partially sedated for one procedure.

I don't have anything to add except to say that I'm glad you are looking for a reason to thank your Doctor. That must mean good news.

 

[grasshopper]

My urologist has been through it all with me for 13 years. Last visit before he retired and he got a big hug. Yea I am a kinda hugging guy.

 

[easysurfer]

About 2 years ago, when my primary care doctor mentioned that he was going to retire in a few months, I thanked him and mentioned that I liked him as my doctor because he had a great bedside manner and took his time to talk to his patients and genuinely listened. He seemed appreciative.