Political Quotes

“Madam President, when I was growing up, I had a pediatrician. His name was Dr. Cartlon. He was kind. He was reassuring. His advice and his comfort meant a lot to my parents, who were young parents and in need of a steady shoulder to lean on when their kids were born. I remember Dr. Cartlon distinctly even though he retired when I was pretty young, and I remember that he was a really important part of my family's support system. He was an important part of our community and family identity. My kids don't have a pediatrician; they have many pediatricians. That is because the big pediatric practice that we use decided that it was inefficient and not cost-effective to assign one pediatrician to every family. Every time we book an appointment, we go see a different doctor at this practice. They are all competent. Our kids are healthy. This very efficient system--it does mean that we probably get in to see a doctor faster than when my parents were trying to find a last-minute appointment with only a very busy Dr. Cartlon. It is an efficient system, but it is hollow. I don't know any of the doctors' names. We have no relationship with one pediatrician. It is clinical. It is not personal. And while we get good care, I admit it leaves you feeling a little bit empty, a little bit alone, as if you are just a number or a name in an appointment book. Without a Dr. Cartlon that you can count on, that experience is a little less assuring.…”