Patients first. As I matured throughout my career, I envisioned a practice to give the best neurological care possible to patients.
I am Dr. Thornley, a neurologist in this medical practice. Throughout my journey in medicine, I have seen changes in medicine some of which I have strong opposition. Through it all, I remain committed to doing the best I possibly can including the complete traditional neurological examination in every single patient I see for the first time from head-to-toe no matter how busy I am. This is the way it is supposed to be. It has been a journey. I want to give care without worrying about other irrelevant matters.
My mission has always been to serve my patients to the best of my ability. Sometimes, that was not always possible. But that is no longer the case. In this practice, I remain true to my mission which is to do the best I possibly can for my patients. I believe in the sacred physician-patient relationship. I do not rely on intermediary personnel when medical questions are directed towards me. That is how I operate, that is how I feel medicine should be practiced, directly between patient and physician.
Here in this neurological practice, the patient comes first. Patients come to physicians in search of an answer. Here, you will be treated with the respect and time that you deserve. Questions are answered and if that question cannot be answered we turn to research for answers. This has led to my blog where I review the literature for answers to novel questions Neurologybuzz.com.
When you have medical questions if it requires a complex set of answers you will be set up for an appointment so we can sit down and discuss all your concerns in greater detail.
With the changes in healthcare today, I remain committed to the patient and seek to preserve the patient-physician relationship. I see my patients directly and answer all questions directly whether it is on the phone for simple questions or in person for more complex details. In my practice, you not only get the direct care of a physician but with someone who practices with compassion and who will listen to your concerns.
Patients first. Primum non nocere, first do no harm.
Why is my neurological practice different from other practices?
As a woman physician, my approach is one that not only encompasses the medical aspect but I often receive comments on my thoroughness, attention to detail and ability to connect and listen. I follow the Hippocratic Oath. Primum non nocere, first do no harm.
In private practice, I have the luxury to listen to my patients and spend time really connecting and listening to their issues. New patients have slots where we go over the history, the complete neurologic examination from head-to-toe is performed and we go over the impression and plan in detail. Follow-up patients have extensive time to go over their symptoms, tests, and the next plan of action. Here, patients come first and their issues are addressed. If I cannot help them or if it is outside of my field they are referred to sources who may be able to help. I strive to stay on time most of the time but due to complexities it may not always be possible. While my time is important, my patients take the time to get ready and come in ready on time to see their doctors. That relationship is respected from the beginning to the end of the encounter.
In addition, I am open to many non-traditional types of treatments so long as it is backed up by science. When proactive patients come to me armed with non-traditional information from the internet instead of dismissing it, I tell them I will look at the science and research myself and get back to them. That is how my blog was born. Neurologybuzz.com is research-based but I break it down for my patients.
What is a neurologist?
Neurologists are specialists who undergo training to study disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscles.
What conditions are treated?
Some of the more common disorders seen in the office setting include headache, seizures, stroke, chronic pain, movement disorders, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and difficulty with thinking. There are some rare conditions we see.
In addition, I see patients with chronic pain related to other medical disorders such as Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, neck pain and joint pain among some of the more common types of pain. Services offered include electroencephalography, ambulatory EEG and neurocognitive testing.
If you or your loved one would like to be evaluated please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment to see what can be done to help you.
Best,
Virginia Thornley, M.D.
