Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I am writing in regard to the recent news of Dr. Johnson and Dr. Agarwal’s departure from the Olney Family Clinic. I would like to express my experience and appreciation for both of them. For the last seven years, Dr. Johnson has been my primary physician, treating me for a multitude of back injuries and hypertension. While I was in the E.R. one night for dehydration and high blood pressure, Dr. Agarwal was the physician on call. He suggested a medication that not only brought my levels to normal, but has kept it within normal limits ever since. Due to a blood panel, he discovered a cyst which Dr. Johnson is now treating. Dr. Agarwal’s bedside manner and thorough treatment was paramount to my medical history. That being said, I just want to say I firmly believe we have lost a great doctor and man. As for Dr. Johnson, there aren’t enough words I can say to justify all the things this man has done for me. He has treated me for my pain, given me advice man-to-man, and he has always gone far above and beyond your typical doctor/patient relationship. Never have I had a doctor who cared more about my well-being not only physically, but mentally also. He has been a confidant and even more importantly a friend…I literally trust him with my life. I can’t and will not speak ill of our hospital or clinic, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m more than upset about the fact we are losing two amazing doctors that we were fortunate to have in the first place. For a town of our size, we take for granted the stellar medical facilities we have access to, just as I believe those facilities might take advantage of the extremely talented doctors we often get to work here. I understand that this a business that needs to have the money to keep up with the fast-moving technology, but I believe I am not alone when I say that I wish this decision had been made with more public input. After all, these doctors are treating hundreds of patients and spend the majority of their lives treating others and deserve having equal communication solving the problems in the workplace. I think it is a sad state of affairs when a small town had two extraordinary doctors and no attempt to compromise and save them was reached in Olney, TX.
- Keith Hathway