First, I'd like to make a few comments about the office that Dr. O'Gara works in, Ralston Family Physicians. This office is a very busy medical practice. I think there are at least 8 doctors that work out of this office, so the waiting room fills up very quickly. Also, they cater a lot to same-day walk-ins, so after about 10am the waiting room is pretty much full for the rest of the day. This office has been around for a while and it is looking a little worse for wear. The furnishings, carpet, paint, and decor in the waiting room and the exam rooms is in need of a remodel. I wouldn't say that things are dirty, they are just looking worn out.
I've been a patient of Dr. O'Gara for about three years now. I've seen him perhaps a half dozen times during that period. As I said, this is a very busy medical practice and Dr. O'Gara sees A LOT of patients each day. Even if you have a scheduled appointment, it is not uncommon to be called to the exam room a half hour after your appointment time and then wait another 15 or 20 minutes for the doctor to arrive. Dr. O'Gara is usually available for walk-in appointments, which seem to occur more in the afternoon, so get in early if you want to see him the same day. Otherwise, his appointments are booked very far in advance. I typically cannot schedule an appointment with him any sooner that three weeks out, or sometimes even a month. My first appointment with Dr. O'Gara was in the afternoon, and honestly he seemed a bit ragged and unengaged. Maybe I caught him on an off day, but from my observation, I would guess that he sees at least 4 patients per hour, so by the afternoon he may have already seen 20 patients that day. I can't blame him for getting a little worn out, but of course that is the last thing a patient wants to see.
Since that first appointment I have tried to schedule appointments as early in the morning as I can, usually around 9am. He seems to be a lot fresher and more interactive in the morning. I've also found that the appointments go better if I continually engage him by asking questions, otherwise Dr. O'Gara will quickly go into "shut-down" mode and start heading for the door. If I come prepared with a quick description of why I am there and have my questions ready then I can usually hold his attention for about 10 minutes. But by 15 minutes he is usually ready to head out of the room.
I understand that medicine is a difficult business, and doctors need to see a lot of patients so that they can make a living, but a patient wants their doctor to be attentive, focused, and present, especially if they are concerned, or even scared, about their health. I wouldn't say that Dr. O'Gara is the best doctor I have seen, but he is adequate. To reiterate, if you want to see him at his best: schedule in advance and make it an early morning appointment; come prepared with a summary of why you are there and questions you want him to answer; be prepared to wait beyond your appointment time (perhaps 45 minutes or more); and when you see the doctor, keep him engaged, otherwise he will assume you are done and want to move along. read more