If you are looking for THE BEST Orthopedic surgeon, you found him! Dr Durfee!!
Let me tell you how I found the best!
I have had an issue with my leg for almost a year.
A string of unfortunate incidents happened one after another which led up to a biopsy in the latter part of this year and subsequently a surgery. Along the course of the year, I injured my knee, I later tore a calf muscle, and then I had a minor tear in my upper thigh, ironically by pushing in a New Nordic Track into my garage. (Yes, all on the same leg).
Having thought that was all behind me, I still experienced discomfort in my knee/leg. So I went back to my Sports Doctor, and after a few visits he visits, he found an anomaly.
From there my Sports Doctor recommended a celebrated Orthopedic surgeon from his own group (I'll refer to them as Group B). I was told that this recommended doctor was known to request many tests, but he was the "one". I went through almost every test you can imagine. It was time-consuming, expensive, scary and it didn't do much for my peace of mind but I followed through.
This doctor, who I'll refer to as Dr Y, had been around for a few decades and apparently very well known for his Orthopedic Surgery/Oncology. I sensed he had experience but what is important to me is empathy and a chance to ask questions without feeling as if I was limited to just one per visit. His answers lacked any sort of comfort and was decidedly vague. His bedside manner, despite being civil made me uneasy so I searched for alternatives, despite being scheduled for surgery with him that September.
While looking for a second opinion, I would come across a few Orthos and Doctors, each telling me over and again that Dr.Y was "the only game in town"; "the one" and If I wanted to find someone else of "equal", I would have had to venture out to Tampa or elsewhere.
Hearing that, I felt quite unsettled; resigned. Despite my concerns, I left it to my Higher Power and proceeded along with the cards laid out. As mentioned, I was scheduled for surgery in September but unfortunately, I had to move it down (2 months later) before Thanksgiving since I was needed at work and I wanted to make the best of the holiday for healing. That was the plan at least, but it still didn't feel right. I did not feel comfortable with Dr Y.
Amazing how things turn out. Fast-forward to November, days before surgery, I went to pre-admission that Dr Y's scheduler had planned out months ahead for my surgery which she said was all set. Imagine my surprise and disappointment at that visit, when I was told they didn't accept my insurance! The scheduler didn't do her due diligence. She assured all was clear! But the whole thing had to be cancelled. I had to reschedule everything with work.
I didn't even receive an apology for the error! They wanted to re-schedule me to a small clinic instead of a hospital which didn't have overnight stay options (just in case) and my concern was met with "we'll provide you with more meds and instructions". Wow. They told me that they had issues obtaining a time slot for surgery at the other hospital and that I would have to wait until a month later if I wanted the procedure at that hospital. Once again they offered a clinic where I would go directly home after major surgery. Days later, this is where they redeemed themselves. They referred me to Dr.Durfee.
I called DR Durfee's office and the ladies at the front line like Genesis and Denise were amazing.
I met Dr Durfee right after Thanksgiving and a week later, I was in the surgery room.
A shout out to Christine, the Doctor's scheduler, she is definitely one of the nicest and genuine persons outside Dr Durfee.
She was very detailed, thoughtful and stayed focus with me despite outside requests from the office. It really made a difference!
TL;DR
Dr Durfee, is the antithesis of Dr Y. He's warm, down-to-earth and from the start, I felt like I wasn't "just a patient". He answered my questions to the best of his abilities. He didn't sugar-coat nor did he make it feel bleak. He was earnest and warm. What more, you can just sense the humble confidence that only comes from experience and he spoke matter-of-factually but with compassion.
I immediately felt "right" and I trusted him with his suggestions. I didn't like some things I heard at first, but I knew it was coming from a genuine source and I am so glad that I did. Right before surgery, he came to greet me and asked me if I had any questions. I was happy to see him and I felt good! Now for the proof in the pudding. After a successful procedure (and two nights stay at the hospital ), a nurse showed me a before and after x-ray. OMG Dr Durfee! I said to him, "You are an artist!". It was incredible what he did! I am so grateful. I am still in recovery right now but I wanted to let others know that Dr. Durfee is in town and here to stay!
If you need an Orthopedic Surgeon/Oncologist, Dr Durfee is the new authority. He is the one! Thank you Dr Durfee! read more