Helping Hands and Heartfelt Thanks

Reflections On The Impact Of National Patient Recognition Week

Patients are a healthcare provider’s main priority. Everything we do is to improve a patient’s quality of life. To celebrate and remind providers of their needs, National Patient Recognition Week is from Feb. 1 through 7. This week is meant to encourage all healthcare providers to emphasize patient care and empathy.

Patients should always be the focus. While any doctor is treating a patient, sometimes their concerns can be overshadowed by only emphasizing the diagnosis. This is always wrong and can come at the expense of the patient’s well-being. All providers should keep patient care at the forefront and constantly remind themselves that they’re at the center of the healthcare universe. We’re not just eliminating viruses, repairing bodies, or analyzing tests — we’re helping human beings.

John O’Malley, a healthcare service worker, first proposed Patient Recognition Week. He suggested that providers redouble their efforts to protect their patient’s needs. O’Malley wanted to create a holiday to remind every provider that patient care matters and promote a culture emphasizing the humanity of healthcare.

This humanity is often ignored. Some providers fail to respect their patient’s needs during treatment. For example, noisy nurse stations commonly cause sleep interruptions, while poor bedside manners create unnecessary unease and distress. Some providers don’t excel at informing patients about the nuances of treatment. National Patient Recognition Week is an opportunity to remind all providers to recommit to healthcare.

At Eye Plastics Associates, we don’t need an honorary week to remember the importance of our patients. We owe everything to our patients and do everything we can to make them feel safe, confident, and informed. We strive to provide an environment that caters perfectly to patient needs, and a place you would feel comfortable enough to recommend to your family.

We don’t force any calls to enter a phone tree; every call goes right to our staff. We don’t like pushing seven buttons just to talk to a physician’s office, and we don’t want that for you either. A personal touch in an uncertain setting like healthcare can mean a lot, so we do our best.

Another priority is to keep patients educated on their diagnosis and treatment plan. We understand that surgery can be scary. Unless you’re a doctor with years of training, it’s hard to know why and how any operation works. This often causes uncertainty in our patients. The only way to get patients out of the dark is by enlightening them.

Another priority is to keep patients educated on their diagnosis and treatment plan. We understand that surgery can be scary. Unless you’re a doctor with years of training, it’s hard to know why and how any operation works. This often causes uncertainty in our patients. The only way to get patients out of the dark is by enlightening them.

We explain everything in detail for every operation, no matter how complex or nuanced. We encourage every question and even offer to answer questions outside of an appointment. There are no stupid questions, especially in healthcare.

Many of our patients have anxiety, either in general or about surgery. If any patient is anxious, we encourage them to let us know. We can work something out and strive to give everyone the best possible experience.

I want patients to love coming to our office. When they leave after a procedure, I want them to say, “That wasn’t as bad as I thought.” Healthcare doesn’t have to be scary, and it’s up to healthcare providers to ensure patients feel heard and assuage their anxieties. National Patient Recognition Week is a year-round effort for Eye Plastic Associates.

Meet Dr. Scott - Your Dedicated Oculoplastic Surgeon

Renowned for his commitment to enhancing your eyelid and facial appearance while prioritizing your safety. Dr. Scott is board-certified in Ophthalmology and has specialized fellowship training in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  With extensive training at prestigious institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia, Manhattan Eye, Ear, & Throat Hospital, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Scott brings a wealth of expertise to his craft. His accolades, including recognition as a Top Plastic Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine, underscore his dedication to excellence. Dr. Scott's passion lies in helping you achieve the best aesthetic results while safeguarding your eyesight.

Location: Fairfax - Northern Virginia

Areas of Expertise: Cosmetic laser eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ), ptosis surgery, treatment of benign and malignant eyelid cancers, correction of eyelid malposition – ectropion, entropion repair, and Botox and filler treatment.