Every once in a while I like to give acknowledgment and thanks where they are due. Today, the focus of my gratitude is to all the doctors out there who understand the importance of a good staff, and more importantly, the kind ladies and gentlemen that make up the staff itself.

Each and every one of us can attest to the fact that when we make a trip to a physicians office, it’s the staff that we interact most with. Whether it’s the receptionist at the desk greeting patients and answering the phones, or the phlebotomist taking blood samples, they all make a huge difference in our visit.

Not to mention, the people a doctor employs are an outer extension of the doctor. The men and women that compromise the staff speak volumes of the doctor you are about to visit. A kind, gentle doctor who is going to take his/her time with you will hire people who have the same patient and understanding attitude.

A perfect example of this is my new, and very much loved, dentist. A little over a year ago, my husband was suffering from a toothache. Ever the hard-working employee, he didn’t want to miss a great deal of work to go to the dentist. He asked me to find the closest one to his job, which of course threw me through a loop.

You don’t pick a doctor or a dentist based solely on location! It just isn’t done. You have to research them, ask around, check their reviews and ratings online. You don’t thumb your way through the phonebook looking at addresses, randomly picking the closest and most convenient one.

At least, I don’t.

Refusing to comply to my thorough search, he insisted on the closest dentist. After a quick glance at the phone book, the winner was Dr. Day, and boy was there an angel on my shoulder during this random choosing. If this is what the luck of the draw can achieve, then I need to do more of it.

Battlefield Dental and my fantastic rheumatologist are a perfect example of how a doctors employee’s represent the doctors themselves. They’re right up there with the staff at my fantastic rheumatologist’s office. At both locations, I have yet to be met without a smiling face, as well as a great deal of patience while they endure my barrage of questions. (And believe me, I ask A LOT of questions.)

Obviously, Dr. Day is not ignorant to the need of a great staff. When you think about just how much these people do, the important roles they play, you soon realize just how crucial they are to a successful practice.

Every once in a while, we visit a doctor for something simple, such as a physical. The dentist, we see twice a year for a cleaning. For the most part though, if we’re calling to make appointments, it’s because we’re sick. Along with being sick comes a certain amount of vulnerability. We’re either tired, scared, in pain, or just all around not feeling well. The last thing we need is to have to face people who are maybe a little inconsiderate, impatient or just a little on the grumpy side.

A dentist, for example, has a great deal of patients like myself. People who are filled with so much anxiety at the mere thought of sitting in their chair that they cry once they’re actually there. Yes, I used to cry during visits to the dentist. Note that word in the previous sentence though, “used” to, as in past tense, and it’s not just Dr. Day that get’s the credit.

Everyone one at Battlefield Dentist is so kind, understanding and gentle that I can happily say I no longer feel such a great anxiety. From the woman I speak with to schedule appointments, to the hygienist that cleaned my little ones teeth, each and every person who I have had the honor of meeting has been above and beyond fantastic.

Even my children loved them, picking up immediately on their genuine kindness. In fact, my oldest daughter was more than pleased to inform everyone just how much she loved the “nice lady that cleaned her teeth,” going on to tell them that “she actually understands.”

As to the rheumatologist, having rheumatoid arthritis is a very scary road to travel, and before finding him, I had visited a few other rheumatologists. I discovered very quickly that he was one-of-a-kind in his field, and like Dr. Day, his staff is proof of just how good he is.

From the moment I met them, I loved them all. Can you imagine my surprise when I found out that some of the staff also suffers from RA? I mean, when it comes to understanding, they take they cake! I can’t say it enough, the right staff can make a world of difference.

Of course, while giving thanks where thanks is due, I can’t leave out my pediatrician and his staff. Not only are they fantastic with the children, but mom and dad as well. I mean, how many people will present you with a cupcake and a candle on your birthday? Now that, my friends, is above and beyond.

So, to end in this in the way it so richly deserves, thank you. Thank you for giving that extra little bit. Thank you for being so kind. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Thank you for all you have done, it means the world.

LaFayette resident Tanya Nave is a mostly sane mother of three children, a proud wife and caretaker for many pets. “I could probably give life a little more than I am, but I love the one I have,” she says. You can email her at droolydooley@yahoo.com. She also has a Facebook fan page.