Happy Birthday

Me: G’Mor…

Ms K: “I’m mad at you” (literally first comment she made as I walked into the room)

Me: …ning… uh oh, I’m listening what did I do?

Ms K: you didn’t call me for my birthday

Ms K is almost 90

She had moved to Texas to be closer to her family but has repeatedly complained about her regret doing that.

I digress.

Me: oh I’m sorry! I did send a happy birthday message through our EMR!

Ms K: but you didn’t call

… you called me for thanksgiving!

Me: yeah, I was concerned you’d be alone thanksgiving.

Ms K: well I was alone for my birthday

Me: bummer!

We discussed ways to encourage fellowship with said family..

How to engage even with their busy lifestyles…

Discussed some virtual options…

Discussed senior activities and leveraging church communities

Me: what do you think?

Ms K: next time I’ll call the office and ask for you so you can say happy birthday to me!

Me: okay! What if it’s the weekend and we are closed?

Ms K: don’t start with me Dr O!

Me: hugs Ms K!

Ms K: come here give me a hug

Advocating for the elderly too… folks please check in on your folks! Every now and again…

Sometimes a “Happy birthday” call goes a long way!!!


In health,
Dr. Olabintan

Author

Dr. Tolulope Olabintan MD, AAHIVS, FAAFP, dipABLM Dr. Tolulope Olabintan is the Co-Founder and Medical Director of Livingspring Family Medical Center. She is a Christian, Family Physician, writer, mentor, mother and wife. She takes joy in empowering her patients and readers to live their fullest lives possible. She helps patients live long and well as she believes that the quality of life is just as important as the quantity of life. She is also a foodie and loves the colors teal and orange. Dr. Olabintan completed her medical degree at UMDNJ Rutgers Medical School in 2007. Dr. O went on to finish her Family Medicine Residency from Albert Einstein College of Medicine Family Medicine residency where she also served as a Chief Resident. She then went on to complete a women’s health/surgical obstetrics fellowship at St Francis hospital in 2011. She is a board-certified Family Physician, Lifestyle Medicine, a HIV specialist and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.