My five-star orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Paul Morton (I'd give 10 stars if I could), referred me to Dr. Daniel Burdick, a physiatrist who specializes in pain management. Dr Burdick has been a great help, ordering x-rays that helped identify osteoarthritis in other parts of my body, providing pain relief injections into my seriously aching right hip, going over options for the various aches and pains, refering me to aquatherapy, which I loved and helped me get stronger without stressing my beaten-up joints, etc.
Dr. Burdick does well in giving explanations. At our second or third appointment, during which I asked several questions, I explained that I was someone who was very involved with my medical care. Also, that I needed to understand things, which is why I asked so many questions. For me, better understanding increases my chances of positive change / success. Dr. Burdick not only grasped this immediately, but literally immediately began providing even more detailed information. He has never made me feel like I was bothering him or wasting his time by asking questions.
I remember one of my gynecologists in St. Louis, something like 30 - 35 years ago. He was doing an exam and said I had fibrocystic breasts. I asked what that was and instead of answering, he dismissed me and said, "Don't worry about it." I found this to be paternalistic and insulting. I never went back. It was then I decided I'd never go back to a doctor who didn't answer my questions.
Dr. Burdick welcomes my input and respects my decisions. He answers honestly when I ask him to weigh in on the options that have been presented. Like Dr. Morton, he laughs and smiles at my ridiculous jokes. This may seem like a silly thing to judge a doctor by, but it is important to me. I do better with doctors who will talk story with me.
Dr. Burdick is part of the Physicians Clinic. When you enter from the entrance on the back side of Rehab Hospital, which is actually the main entrance, the clinic is immediately inside the door to your right, even before you get to the main desk. The waiting room, while small, is set up for physical distancing. The exam rooms are large enough to to allow for ample physical distancing. read more