The foundation of my care for patients has always been education. I spend a lot of time with patients to gather information about them and the symptoms they experience and the impact of these symptoms on their quality of life and relationships.  While this approach can result in longer appointments, I feel it allows for a higher quality treatment plan. I ensure patients understand their symptoms, how they interact with each other, and how treatment options can help. I always review options for treatment collaboratively with my patients, but I strongly believe the patient is the best judge of which treatments they should engage in. I give patients time to ask questions to ensure they are knowledgeable about their treatment options and comfortable going forward. I make myself available to patients between appointments. I believe being available for my patients helps decrease anxiety about treatment, prevents unnecessary worsening of symptoms or side effects, and reduces the risk of patients unnecessarily stopping medications or otherwise abandoning their treatment plan. I truly mean it; if you need me reach out.