The current state of affairs does not lead for much certainty of the future. While there is an ample amount of good to come from COVID-19 - families spending time together, the world and people taking a much-needed pause, catching up on tasks that stayed in perpetual waiting, there is an overwhelming feeling of loss and grief as well.
There is a loss of normalcy, loss of plans and some socialization and the painfully tragic loss of loved ones. Over this past weekend I received a text message from my Mom that I never thought I would get: “Dr. G passed away.” Now most people might find it odd to be upset over the loss of your doctor, but Dr. Michael Giuliano was so much more than just a doctor.
My first thought was “Who is going to fix us?” followed by the painful realization that this man spent his entire life “fixing” people, but who was there to fix him? Living through a Global Pandemic in an age where information can spread at the blink of an eye is an odd phenomena. So much confusion is around this virus, but rather than focus on that, I want to focus on the good that Dr. G brought into the world - the good that is still here if we only look and take heed to his many valuable life lessons.
Dr. Michael Giuliano has literally been my family doctor since before I was born. Starting with my Nonna (grandmother) visiting him first, then my mother, and so many other family members to follow.
According to his bio on https://mountainsidedocs.com/provider/michael-giuliano “Dr. Michael Giuliano has been practicing medicine since 1982. He received his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship at Kennedy Memorial Hospital. Dr. Giuliano is also licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Giuliano’s dedication to the best care, and his conservative approach to prescribing medication have made him a trusted physician to patients of all ages. He is a Board Certified Family Practice Physician, and is also Board Certified in Geriatrics.”
For the past 39 years my family has been in the great care of Dr. G. He has seen us through basic checkups and life-altering illnesses. If he wasn’t personally able to treat, he used his knowledge and resources to point us on the best path of recovery. , the best action plan to ensure that we would not only see quick results but have an overall better quality of life.
Despite his many skills Dr. G was not a magician, so it was always best to come for a visit prepared. With a log of symptoms or list of questions, the more information you had the better he was able to help you. It was amazing to watch how quickly his brain could process the information you were giving him. Knowing his patience, his training and family histories all yielded the best results. Speaking from first hand experience, I can say that since Dr. G treated both my parents, if I came to him with a concern, he understood my genetic makeup and was able to point down the best path of wellness.
The sage advice he offered during any appointments are tokens of advice that I will keep with me. Tokens like, get plenty of sleep; drink plenty of water; have a well-balanced diet; 30 minutes of exercise a day; boys are bad; and my personal favorite, “Mr. Josh Groban, he is the best, wowie!”
I have no idea who my next primary care doctor will be. I have no idea how the next week let alone the next 30 years of my life will look. I do know that a very valuable lesson can be learned from Dr. G and I hope that both medical professionals and patients take this lesson to heart. Dr. G never treated his patients like they were numbers that he had to run through them. Yes, he often came in quick and left, but that is because he placed the responsibility of your health not only on himself but on you as well. If you didn’t tell him all the symptoms, if you didn’t ask the questions, the visit would be rather brief.
Patients should come prepared with their questions and symptoms to help doctors, they aren’t mind readers or magicians. They are grounded in compassion and science, and in order for them to use their gifts they have to know all the factors that are ailing you. Another lesson that I feel can be learned is that Dr. G never looked at his patients as work. He helped however he could and took the time to listen to each and every concern. Like any job there are multiple aspects to daily tasks; however, for any job, when it comes to human interaction, we must not forget that compassion is at the heart of humanity.
Another area of importance to note is that Dr. G worked with his wonderful wife MaryLu. Whenever I had a question about medication, getting an appointment or simply needed a doctor’s note, she was there and able to help. She does so much more than what I just mentioned, and while I know the feeling of loss, my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family. MaryLu, you and your family are well loved by the community that you impacted by the families that you have helped. Your compassion and kindness will not be forgotten or taken for granted. And while right now there isn’t a lot that can be done from afar. , please know, you are loved and you, your family and Dr. G are in our hearts and prayers during this crazy time.
