I travel 7 hours each way to get to UNC Chapel Hill for clinic appointments, every 3 months. I consider it a worthwhile investment in what I believe is the best care my child can get anywhere. He was diagnosed at this clinic at 3weeks old when we lived 2.5 hours away. We then moved 4 hours away, with a satelite CF clinic in town but opted to continue care with UNC. We are now in Atlanta and although I know there is comparable care in this area, I can not replace the rapport and trust my child feels with this DR. In a recent biography he wrote for school, he writes Dr Retsch-Bogart is my favorite person. He makes me feel better and although sometimes I get needles he always makes me laugh. He has become like one of our family. I encourage all to seek out that quality care. A Dr that listens but is proactive and aggressive. One that makes allowances for a kid being a kid but also puts his foot down when necessary. An example I can give you is when Ryan is due for blood work but has been relatively healthy...he is able to wheel and deal with the Dr and postpone bloodwork until the next time. When the next time comes Doc puts his foot down when the wheeling and dealing begins. We are a team, the clinic, my child and this family striving for the same results. We have a relationship based on honesty, trust and perserverance. We also know the importance of a good local Dr. With each move we have partnerd with a Dr in the local community for basic care. However for all hospitalizations and clinic visits we opt for the long road trip. Good Luck in finding the one!
Tina mother of Ryan 12 w/CF,Josh 19,Andrew 16,Justin 14