We live in such a transient world. I can't speak to other countries and how they do things, but something has been lost in medicine in the United States. Actually, there are several things, but this small piece is to discuss just one aspect.

I am just a generation removed from those who didn't relocate so often. My parents' generation found a place, and set roots. They found a local family doctor, and "grew old together". It sound almost like fantasy to think there were doctors that cared for people from cradle to grave. I'm sure this still exists in microscopic numbers, but it was once the order of the day.

It is sad to think that having your trusted and learned friend, the family doctor, who was once like a member of the family, is a virtually extinct anachronism. My parents live in a very small town and have such a rare find. Sure, their doctor has a very well equipped building with incredible, caring staff. All the modern pieces are there, including EMR. But my parents also have their doctor's cell phone number, and can call him at any hour. Their doctor knows who all the specialists are and monitors all the medications and asks questions when appropriate.

@Zdoggmd knows about this type of practice. Health 3.0 has the potential to bring the past forward. A place where doctors communicate with one another, always having the patient's health-life on their minds. Where doctors are empowered to treat the person and not just the immediate system and symptom.

I dream of a melding where the passion for caring about the whole person is the aim of medicine. As we used to say on the ambulance, "treat the patient, not the monitor."

Full circle. I thank God for the caring caregivers: Physicians, NP's, PA's, nurses and medics that dedicate themselves to the care of people and not just illnesses, injuries and billing platforms. They still exist and we need more.

I'd bet some of these amazing people are reading this post and I feel privileged to be in your company.